With his big grin, sense
of humor, and adorable
antics, Manny is quite the
character! After Amber
Chavez adopted the little
French bulldog and got to
know how unique he is,
she wanted to share his
adventures and natural
lifestyle with the world.
Now Manny has his own
website, events, and even a
clothing line. Read his full
story on page 50.

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animal wellness

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When a straggly husky showed up at our cottage one summer, I
had no idea she would be a catalyst for so much of my learning
about integrative care. She was barely more than skin and
bones, so I immediately started her on a high quality diet and
digestive enzymes. She soon stopped eating grass (for a while
I thought she was part goat!) and started to gain weight. The
EFAs I added to her diet helped change her brittle coat into one
that was softer and more lush. Flower essences addressed some
of the emotional trauma and reduced her anxiety. Chiropractic
and homeopathy seemed to reduce the discomfort that caused
her to growl whenever she was touched. After a few weeks,
she actually enjoyed being massaged and petted.
Despite all the changes, Shayla would still sometimes
experience bouts of diarrhea but the potato diet naturally
got her system back in line again. I also added slippery elm
to her diet to soothe her sensitive intestinal tract. She had a
good quality of life with us for five years and I knew she was
grateful for all we had done. I could see it in her beautiful blue
eyes every time she looked at me. We never discovered where
she came from, but the folks at the nearby wolf sanctuary
informed us that from her description, she was most likely part
wolf, which explained a lot. I am forever grateful to Shayla
for teaching me about the real benefits of integrative health as
well as how to live with humility. She was the most accepting
creature I have ever met.
In this issue of Animal Wellness, we celebrate an integrative
approach to healthcare for your animals – an approach that gives
you the best of both the conventional and alternative health
worlds and helps improve their chances for a long and healthy
life. For example, conditions such as seizures and osteoarthritis
can be treated integratively, and we offer a well-rounded look at
both. We also examine the dangers of antibiotic resistance, and
how a variety of holistic therapies can help alleviate the situation.

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animal wellness

With the arrival of spring, we’re entering another flea, tick
and heartworm season, but before reaching for the chemical
preventives and repellents, learn to protect your animal with
less toxic solutions.
This issue is packed with plenty more topical info. Find out
what ozone therapy is about, and discover how fracking might
be affecting your animal’s well-being. And if you’ve been
hesitant about feeding your dog a raw diet, be sure to check
out Dr. Karen Becker’s myth-busting article on raw meat safety.
For training and behavior, we offer simple and practical tips
for effective housetraining; advice on the pros and cons of
online dog training; and how you might be contributing to his
separation anxiety.
Our bonus Feline Wellness section features articles on Lyme
disease in cats (do you need to be worried?), and how to calm
your kitty’s stress by reducing your own.
Last but not least, be sure to read about our cover dog, Manny,
a sweet, spunky, famous French bulldog with a big personality
who has his own website, hosts his own events, and even has
a cool clothing line!

Dana Cox
Editor-in-Chief

animal wellness

9

CONTRIBUTORS

1

3

5

7

2

4

6

8

1. Veterinarian Dr. Karen Shaw Becker received
her degree from the Iowa State College of
Veterinary Medicine. She owns and operates
Natural Pet Animal Hospital, Feathers Bird Clinic,
TheraPaw Rehabilitation and Pain Management
Clinic and Covenant Wildlife Rehabilitation in
Illinois. She co-authored the book Real Food for
Healthy Pets and hosts a large holistic animal
wellness website (mercolahealthypets.com). Turn to
page 38 for Dr. Becker’s article raw food safety.
2. Veterinarian Dr. Jean Dodds received her
veterinary degree in 1964 from the Ontario
Veterinary College. In 1986, she established
Hemopet, the first non-profit national blood bank
program for animals. From 1965 to 1986, Dr.
Dodds was a member of many committees on
hematology, animal models of human disease
and veterinary medicine. She received the Holistic
Veterinarian of the Year Award from the AHVMA in
1994. On page 70, Dr. Dodds co-writes an article
on antibiotic resistances.
3. Veterinarian Dr. Shawn Messonnier authored
the Natural Health Bible for Dogs and Cats, The
Natural Vet’s Guide to Preventing and Treating
Cancer in Dogs, and 8 Weeks to a Healthy Dog.
He’s the pet care expert for Martha Stewart Living’s
“Dr. Shawn – The Natural Vet” on Sirius Satellite
Radio, and creator of Dr. Shawn’s Pet Organics.
His practice, Paws & Claws Animal Hospital
(petcarenaturally.com), is in Plano, Texas. See page
18 for his article on heartworm.
4. Veterinarian Dr. Deva Khalsa authored Dr.
Khalsa’s The Natural Dog and co-authored Healing
Your Horse: Alternative Therapies. She lectures
internationally and is a professor at the British
Institute of Homeopathy. She has almost 30 years
of experience in holistic modalities. In this issue
(page 22), Dr. Khalsa reveals the secrets of a
powerhouse antioxidant called glutathione.

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animal wellness

5. Veterinarian Dr. Adam Lassin received his BA in
Animal and Veterinary Science from West Virginia
University in 2006, and his Doctorate in Veterinary
Medicine in 2010 from Ross University. He is a
Certified Small Animal Veterinary Acupuncturist via
the prestigious Chi Institute of Traditional Chinese
Veterinary Medicine, and is in the process of
becoming certified in Veterinary Food Therapy. He
is also working towards certification in Veterinary
Herbology and Tui Na. Dr. Lassin co-writes the
article on antibiotic resistance on page 70.
6. Veterinarian Dr. Mark Newkirk owns
Newkirk Family Veterinarians (609-645-2120,
newkirkfamilyveterinarians.com) and has been
taking care of animals in southern New Jersey
since 1981. He graduated from the University of
Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. His
practice offers traditional medicine/surgery for
dogs, cats, and other animals, and alternative
medicine including chiropractic, homeopathy, herbal
therapies, alternative cancer treatments, therapeutic
lasers, NAET, rehabilitation, stem cell transplants
and more. Dr Newkirk has his own radio show
(Thursdays 9 to 10 AM on WOND 1400 AM). Turn to
page 32 for his article on ozone therapy.
7. Veterinarian Dr. Jodie Gruenstern owns Animal
Doctor Holistic Veterinary Complex in Muskego,
Wisconsin. She is certified in veterinary acupuncture
and food therapy. She writes for Nature’s Pathways,
is a speaker for Standard Process and promotes
the integration of holistic care on her radio show,
television and her DVD and Animal Doctor product
line (Animal DoctorHolistic.com). See page 34 for Dr.
Gruenstern’s article on managing seizures.
8. Veterinarian Dr. Sherman Canapp completed
a combined Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and
Masters of Science in clinical surgery at Kansas
State University. He has completed his certification
in canine rehabilitation, stem cell therapy and
TPLO. Dr. Canapp practices orthopedic surgery

and sports medicine at the Veterinary Orthopedic
& Sports Medicine Group (VOSM) in Annapolis
Junction, Maryland. He co-writes an article on
canine osteoarthritis on page 76.
9. Nancy Zidonis and Amy Snow authored ACUDOG: a Guide to Canine Acupressure, ACU-CAT:
A Guide to Feline Acupressure and ACU-HORSE:
A Guide to Equine Acupressure. They founded
Tallgrass, offering books, manuals, DVDs, apps, and
meridian charts. Tallgrass also provides hands-on
and online training courses worldwide, including a
300-hour Practitioner Certification Program. It is an
approved school for the Dept. of Higher Education
through the State of Colorado, and approved
provider of NCBTMB and NCCAOM CEs. Contact
888-841-7211, animalacupressure.com or Tallgrass@
animalacupressure.com. Turn to page 24 for their
article on canine acupressure for moving house.
10. Peggy Swager is a dog trainer and behaviorist.
Her DVD,Separation Anxiety, a Weekend Technique,
has helped many people resolve separation anxiety
issues in their dogs. Her book, Training the Hard
to Train Dog, includes a chapter called “Nervous
Nellies” to help with socializing dogs. On page 28,
Peggy looks at how you might be contributing to
your dog’s separation anxiety.
11. Mary Ellen “Angelscribe” is an award-winning
photojournalist, author and animal newspaper
columnist. Her column “Pet Tips ‘n’ Tales” is filled
with knowledge, inspiration, humor and warmhearted stories (angelscribe.com/tipsntales.html).
Her internationally known swimming cats have
appeared on Animal Planet’s Must Love Cats. She
is the author of Expect Miracles and A Christmas
Filled with Miracles. On page 62, Mary Ellen shows
you how to make your own cat harness.
12. Ingrid King is a former veterinary hospital
manager and award-winning author of Buckley’s
Story: Lessons from a Feline Master Teacher

11

13

15

10

12

14

16

and Purrs of Wisdom: Conscious Living, Feline
Style. Her popular blog, The Conscious Cat, is
a comprehensive award-winning resource for
conscious living, health and happiness for cats and
their humans (ConsciousCat.com). Ingrid is also
the Cats Expert for Answers.com, and the publisher
of online magazine News for You and Your Pet.
Check out her article on feline stress (page 58).
13. Cynthia S. Evans is a freelance writer and
songwriter in the music duet ViCindy. With the
support of Frankie’s Friends Cat Rescue, OSN
(Operation Spay/Neuter) and Alley Cat Allies, she is
also an active volunteer participating in TNR (Trap
Neuter Return) and a caregiver to cats with no
home. In this issue (page 88), Cindy examines the
effects of fracking on our animal companions.

14. Stephanie Bouchard is a freelance writer
based in Maine, and the author of The LapReluctant Cat, a gift book for cat lovers
(stephaniebouchard.net). Turn to page 60 for her
article on Lyme disease in felines.
15. Claudia Bensimoun is a freelance writer in West
Palm Beach who specializes in writing about dogs
and horses. On page 82, she looks at the pros and
cons of virtual dog training.
16. Sheryl Normandeau is a Calgary-based writer,
outdoors enthusiast and gardener. She spends an
inordinate amount of time at the public library (mostly
because she works there). Her writing has appeared
in several North American publications. Sheryl takes a
holistic look at ﬂea and tick control on page 42.

CONTRIBUTORS

9

Lisa Fair began working with Dr. Sherman Canapp
as an orthopedic and surgical technician. She
completed her certification in canine massage and
rehabilitation therapy, and provides rehabilitative
services part-time. She is a moderator for a
rehabilitation therapy forum, and assists Dr.
Canapp with special projects, research, client
services and patient care. Lisa co-writes the article
on canine osteoarthritis on page 76.
Sandra Murphy lives in St Louis, Missouri. When
she’s not writing, she works as a pet sitter.
Turn to page 46 for her advice on the most
successful way to housetrain a dog.

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YAKKITY YAK
TALENT SEARCH

ges
Photo courtesy of Getty Ima

With the help of ASPCA animal welfare and shelter experts,
Ms. Rappaport is visiting shelters around the country on
a year-long search for a variety of outstanding canine and
feline contestants. Chosen animals will strut their stuff
in front of a panel of judges, including a veterinarian and
certified trainer, for a chance to be crowned Best in Shelter
– and score a loving home in the process.

There’s a cool new TV show in the works! The ASPCA
and Jill Rappaport (shown above), award-winning animal
advocate and correspondent for the Today Show and NBC
News, just announced that they are developing a TV series
and prime-time special called Best in Shelter, to showcase the
special appeal of shelter animals.

“It has been my dream – ever since I created my beloved
“Bow to Wow” series six years ago on the Today Show –
to develop a program that celebrates the beauty, inside and
out, of shelter animals,” says Ms. Rappaport. “The win-win
here is that hopefully every one of our featured fur angels,
whether on the show or in the shelters I will be visiting
across the country, will find a loving permanent home,
which is what they deserve.”
aspca.org

TOP 12 DOG BREEDS
For the 23rd year in a row, the Labrador retriever is
the most popular dog breed in the US, according to the
American Kennel club (akc.org), which recently released
its list of our favorite canines for 2013. Other large breeds
like the German shepherd and golden retriever took
second and third places respectively, while the Doberman
pinscher rose ten spots from #22 to #12.
“Owning bigger breeds…has been on the rise during the
past five years,” says AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson.
Among smaller breeds, the French bulldog has seen
a sharp rise in popularity over the past decade, with a
more than 300% increase in registrations since 2003! The
affectionate, easy-to-care-for Frenchie rose to number
11 last year – its highest position since the breed was
recognized by the AKC in 1898. French bulldogs (like the
one shown on our cover!) are loveable lap warmers with
minimal exercise and grooming requirements.

A VICTORY FOR HOMEOPATHY
Anyone who has used homeopathy on their animals
knows it works. But the Connecticut Veterinary Medical
Association doesn’t agree. Over a year ago, it introduced a
resolution to the American Veterinary Medical Association
(AVMA) that stated: “Homeopathy has been identified as
ineffective and its use is discouraged.”
This resolution was closely reviewed by the House
of Delegates (HOD) at the AVMA Winter Meeting in
January of last year. The resolution was then sent back
to the Executive Board (EB) with a recommendation to
have the Council on Veterinary Services review it. The
EB later decided to send the resolution to the AVMA’s
Research Committee.

And now the good news. The Connecticut VMA resolution
was again considered during the 2014 Winter Meeting on
January 9 and 10. When a Reference Committee meeting
was devoted just to this one resolution, its members voted
unanimously against it. Just a few hours later,
over 90% of the full HOD
also voted against it,
effectively ending the
resolution. After a year of
worry, those who support
the use of homeopathy
can finally breathe a
sigh of relief!

At the November 2013 Executive Board meeting, the
EB concluded that the AVMA already had guidelines for
complementary and alternative medicine (CAVM) in place,
and that it was not in the purview of the AVMA to adjudicate
individual modalities. This recommendation was sent back to
all the delegates.

animal wellness

13

YAKKITY YAK
ON THE AIR

WHAT A “COOL” IDEA!
The weather will soon be heating up again,
and it’ll be time to remind people how
dangerous it is to leave dogs in parked
vehicles on hot summer days – or
even warm spring ones. Last July,
after a dog died of heat exhaustion
in a car at Vaughan Mills Shopping
Centre in Ontario, Canada, the
mall implemented a new Pet Patrol
program.
During the summer, when temps rise
above 85°F, two security guards are posted at
the mall’s parking lot entrances to remind people of the
hazards of leaving dogs shut in cars. There are also staff
roaming the parking lot looking for dogs in vehicles; if they
see a pooch in distress, they are encouraged to call animal
services or the police.

Want to keep up to date with animal welfare? The American
Humane Association has introduced their new weekly radio
show, “Be Humane”, on Pet Life Radio.
Hosted by AHA president and CEO, Dr. Robin Ganzert, the
show features the latest news and issues affecting animals,
along with interviews with some of the country’s most
famous animal advocates, including actress
Joanna Krupa (Real Housewives of Miami),
Prince Lorenzo Borghese (The Bachelor),
and renowned dog trainer Victoria
Stilwell. Each show centers around a
theme of spreading compassion,
caring and hope for animals.
For more information about upcoming
episodes and special guests, visit
petliferadio.com/behumane.html.

It’s a great idea, and hopefully one that will catch on at
other malls and public places this year.

STAR QUALITY

Animals
with cancer
or other
serious
illnesses
should
NOT be
vaccinated.
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animal wellness

Along with being a glamorous film star, Elizabeth
Taylor was also an animal lover. She understood
the valuable role animals play in enhancing the
health and well-being of people, particularly
those suffering from HIV/AIDs. In 1991, she
founded the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation
(ETAF), which raises funds and awareness to fight
the spread of the disease, and provides assistance
to those living with it.
Since its launch, ETAF has also been promoting
Paws Are Wonderful Support (PAWS), a non-profit
organization that nurtures the human/animal bond
for vulnerable individuals in communities across the
country, including people with HIV/AIDs. ETAF is
currently providing funding for PAWS chapters in
San Diego and San Francisco.
ETAF.org, pawssf.org

animal wellness

15

YAKKITY YAK
HERDER, HUNTER OR LIVESTOCK GUARDER?
A dog’s breed can determine how well he follows human commands, according to a new study from
Oregon State University. The study found that dogs bred for predatory traits are better at following
some human gestures.
The researchers tested three breeds of dog used for specific purposes: hunting (Airedale terrier),
herding (border collie) and livestock guarding (Anatolian shepherd). The dogs watched a researcher
point to one of two identical empty cans. If the dog then approached that same can, food was placed
on it. The test was repeated ten times. When choosing between the two cans, the researchers believe
each breed drew on its natural predatory tendency to eye, stalk, chase and ultimately consume food
triggered by movement – in this case, a pointing human hand.
• The border collies chose the correct can more than 85% of the time. The researchers credit their
success to the fact that border collies have been bred for exaggerated eye/stalk/chase behavior.
• The Airedale terriers also performed well, showing 70% success in the tests. These hunting dogs
have predatory instincts most similar to wolves, and are extremely responsive to movement and
inclined to follow it.
• The Anatolian shepherds responded to human gestures less than 50% of the time on average
(though with additional training, they learned to follow the commands). This finding is consistent
with their breeding, say the researchers, because Anatolian shepherds, as livestock guarding dogs,
have been bred to protect rather than chase. bit.ly/OSU_DogBehaviorStudy

MEDICAL CARE FOR
MILITARY CANINES
If you’ve ever wondered what kind of veterinary care
military dogs in Afghanistan receive, wonder no longer.
According to a release on the Defense Video and Imagery
Distribution System website, the Kandahar Veterinary
Treatment Facility provides both routine and emergency
care as well as 48-hour hospitalization to military and
contract working dogs in the Kandahar region. Dogs
that require more than two days of hospitalization are
evacuated to Dog Center Europe in Germany.
dvidshub.net

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animal wellness

SHELTER STATS NORTH OF 49
A couple of months ago, the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies
(cfhs.ca) released its report on national animal shelter statistics (for 2012).
A first of its kind, this report is an accumulation of data from 102 shelters
across the country. Check out some of the figures:
53,085 – Number of dogs taken in by shelters
119,198 – Number of cats taken in by shelters
25,379 – Number of dogs adopted
54,270 – Number of cats adopted
14,879 – Number
of dogs reclaimed
by their guardians
4,823 – Number of
cats reclaimed by
their guardians

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ALL ABOUT

HEARTWORM
– Part 1

By Shawn Messonnier, DVM

A thorough understanding of this disease will help you protect your dog.

If

you have a dog, you already know something about
heartworm. But there are several misunderstandings
surrounding this disease that need clarification. In the first
of this two-part article, we’ll look at the difference between
heartworm infection and disease, risk factors and symptoms,
and how heartworm is diagnosed.

Infection or disease?
To start with, it’s important to know the difference between
heartworm infection and disease.
Heartworm infection occurs
when an infected mosquito
deposits immature larval
heartworms
into
the
dog while feeding on
him. These dogs are
not clinically ill, do
not act sick, and appear
totally normal. Usually, a

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diagnosis of heartworm infection is made through the dog’s
annual blood work. People are usually shocked to discover
that their healthy dogs are infected with heartworms and
are at risk of developing heartworm disease. Most dogs I see
with “heartworm” have heartworm infection, not disease.
Heartworm disease results when a dog infected with
heartworms develops clinical signs (see next section).
Fortunately, I very rarely see dogs with heartworm disease.
Treatment requires much more aggressive and expensive
therapies; dogs with heartworm disease are more likely to
suffer side effects from the traditional medication used in
treatment than those with heartworm infection.

Signs and symptoms
Clinical signs of heartworm disease usually represent pathology
of the heart and lungs. In fact, “heartworms” are really
“lungworms”. In most cases, the worms are found in the large
blood vessels of the lungs, not the heart. The worms only “back
up” from the lung blood vessels in severe infections, in which

case they end up in the chambers of the
heart (right side) and caudal vena cava blood
vessel. When the disease was first discovered,
so many worms were found in animals that
they had in fact backed up into the heart, so
the disease was named heartworm when it
would be more accurate to call it lungworm.
Clinical signs, especially early in the disease,
involve coughing, most often when the dog
is active. The coughing is due to the presence
of worms in the pulmonary blood vessels,
and the associated inflammation the worms
produce. With time, the disease may progress
and cause more severe signs of lung and/
or heart infection and inflammation, such
as weakness, more serious and constant
coughing, weight loss, decreased appetite, and
fluid accumulation in the chest and abdomen
(signs that predispose the dog to sudden
death). In some cases, however, the only sign
of heartworm disease is sudden death.

Often, heartworm prevention
is only needed during the
warmer months.
Diagnostics have improved
Heartworm infection is usually easily
diagnosed with a simple blood test.
However, there is still some confusion
among veterinarians and their clients on
what the “best” test is.
Three types of blood test can be used to
diagnose the presence of heartworms in a
dog’s body.
When heartworms were originally discovered
in animals in the 1970s, the blood test for it
involved simply examining a drop of blood
under the microscope for the presence of
heartworm microfilariae (baby heartworms
produced by female worms in the dog’s
body). While this test would often reveal
the presence of microfilariae, there were
two limitations. First, another species of
microfilariae (most commonly one that does
not cause disease in dogs) was often found.

A percentage of the proceeds from all Canine Life products is donated to
The Smiling Blue Skies ® Cancer Fund. www.smilingblueskies.com

animal wellness

19

Second, it was discovered that many heartworm infections (in
some cases up to 70%) are occult infections, meaning that adult
worms are present but microfilariae are not. Using this test meant
that many heartworm infections were missed or misdiagnosed if
another type of microfilariae was detected in the blood sample,
or if no microfilariae were seen.
The second type of heartworm test to be developed was
the filter test. In this instance, a 1 ml to 3 ml sample of the
animal’s blood is pushed through a filter apparatus, and then
a second sample of tap water is used to flush the filter. The
filter is removed, sometimes with a microbiological stain, and
is examined microscopically. While this test was better than
simply examining a drop of blood under the microscope, it
too had the same limitations.
Because of the limitations associated with these two tests, they
are not recommended as the sole way to diagnose heartworm
infection. However, they should be run if there are positive
results on the occult test, to determine if additional treatment
is needed to kill the microfilariae.
The most accurate and commonly run test is called an occult
heartworm test. It is an antigen-antibody test that determines
the presence of antigen from female heartworms in the dog’s
body. Unlike the other two tests, it is very accurate and can
pick up infections when only a few worms are present, even if
no microfilariae are seen. This test should be done annually on
healthy dogs six months of age and older (the test is inaccurate
in younger dogs, as it takes a minimum of six months from the
time of a mosquito bite before the dog would test positive).
This test should also be done on any dog suspected of

having hearworm infection/disease. It is also done following
heartworm treatment to ensure success, usually six months
after the dog finishes the treatment.

Clinical signs of heartworm disease
usually represent pathology of the
heart and lungs.
If heartworm disease is suspected, or if infection has been proven
via blood testing, other tests should be done before proceeding
with treatment. This testing is vital to determine the stage of
the disease/infection, and to uncover any problems that might
complicate or postpone treatment.
Heartworm disease is diagnosed when clinical signs of the
disease are present after a diagnosis of infection via the testing
just discussed. Laboratory tests needed to confirm and stage the
disease include chest radiographs (X-rays), a blood chemistry
profile, CBC, urinalysis, and an EKG. Dogs with heartworm
infection will be normal on all of these tests, whereas dogs
with heartworm disease will show some abnormalities. Even
if clinical signs of heartworm disease are not present when
infection is diagnosed, it is imperative to run these additional
tests prior to beginning treatment. Normal test results mean that
treatment can begin, severe side effects are not likely to occur,
and a baseline value for each test is established in the event
complications occur during therapy.
In the second part of this article (June-July), we’ll look at how
heartworm is treated and prevented, and what steps you can
take to protect your companion from infection.

Is your dog at risk?
All dogs (and other animals) are at risk of developing heartworm infection. Since exposure to infected mosquitoes
is necessary for infection to occur, dogs that spend more time outdoors are at increased risk. Also, because
mosquito activity occurs as the temperature increases, there is often a seasonal trend to exposure and infection.
As an example, it’s warm all year here in Texas (with occasional daily exceptions), so year-round heartworm
prevention is important. In other areas of North America, the warm season is shorter and transmission is less
likely to occur year round. Often, heartworm prevention is only needed during the warmer months or not at all,
depending on heartworm populations in your area, and your veterinarian’s advise.
Heartworm has been found in all 50 states, and across Canada, but some areas are much more prone to it than
others. In the US, the prevalence of heartworm is highest in the southeast (including Texas east to Florida), and
lowest in the Midwest. In Canada, heartworm is most prevalent in southern Ontario and the Winnipeg region of
Manitoba. Wherever you live, it’s important to find out what the heartworm numbers are like in your region, so
you and your veterinarian can decide if and/or when your dog needs preventative medication.

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21

By Deva Khalsa, VMD

– the king of antioxidants
This tiny but powerful nutrient is vital to his cell health, liver function and immunity.
Mention antioxidants,

and most people think of vitamin
C or beta carotene. But there are other, less commonly known
antioxidants that are even more important to overall health and
well being.

One of these is glutathione. It’s a tiny but powerful and abundant
protein compound made up of three amino acids. Glutathione
exists in every single cell of your dog’s body, where it protects the
minuscule but important energy machines called mitochondria.
Though small, glutathione is the uncontested king of
antioxidants. Without it, all your dog’s cells would disintegrate
and die from unrestrained oxidation. To understand what
oxidation is, think about when a freshly cut apple turns brown,
a bicycle fender becomes rusty, or a copper penny turns green.
Unchecked oxidation is a destructive process that results in
breakdown, illness and cellular death.

Other antioxidants depend on it
More well-known antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, have
short lifespans, but glutathione has the ability to bring these
spent antioxidants back from the dead; it even can recharge itself.
In other words, all other antioxidants depend on glutathione to
function properly. No wonder, then, that doctors respectfully
call it the “master antioxidant”.
In short, few things in your dog’s body are more important than
glutathione. It’s a powerful healing and cleansing agent. Without
it, not only would cells die, but the immune system wouldn’t
work and the liver would fail from toxic overload (see sidebars).

Giving him glutathione
The level of glutathione found in your dog’s body will affect his
health and longevity.

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animal wellness

Three

important functions

of the antioxidants you purchase over the
1None
counter would work without the glutathione that’s

2
3

already present in your dog’s body.
Glutathione acts as very important fuel for his
immune system.
The highest levels of glutathione are found in his
liver. That’s no accident because the liver is the major
organ for detoxifying heavy metals, herbicides and
other toxins. Glutathione is absolutely necessary
because of all the toxins our dogs are exposed to on
a regular basis. It’s only because of the vast quantities
of glutathione in the liver that the body can detoxify
and eliminate these toxins before they do permanent
damage. In fact, studies show that half of dogs with
chronic liver disease have reduced glutathione levels
in their blood and livers.

But here’s the rub. Since glutathione is made up of three amino
acids, the oral route of administration simply does not work
because the glutathione is digested. For example, asparagus
contains more available glutathione than any other food, but
the GI tract digests most of it.
The best way to administer glutathione is intravenously or
intramuscularly. Since that’s not practical (except in cases
of Xylitol poisoning when dogs are often hospitalized – see
sidebar), I typically use a topical gel preparation placed on a
hairless area to be absorbed through the skin.

10 ways to optimize his levels
The good news is that there are several glutathione precursors
as well as certain foods that will work to boost glutathione
production in your dog’s body.

 A little extra vitamin C on a daily basis will recharge the glutathione already present in
his body. The powdered buffered form of this vitamin is relatively tasteless and easy to
sprinkle on a bit of wet food. The suggested dose is 50mg to 100mg per day.

 Garlic is a sulfur-rich food. A little fresh garlic each day supports glutathione production.
 Kale and broccoli have compounds that support the
natural production of glutathione in the body.

 Selenium

is an important mineral that helps your dog’s
body recycle and produce more glutathione.

 SAMe (S-Adensoylmethionine) is converted into glutathione and readily available at
health food stores and through veterinarians. The recommended dose is 20mg/kg/day.

 Another

readily available supplement called N-acetyl-cysteine helps boost
glutathione levels in your dog’s blood and liver. As mentioned in the sidebar, it’s
used in human hospital ERs to treat people with liver failure from Tylenol overdose.

 Whey protein has been shown to increase glutathione levels. Quality whey protein
contains all the key amino acids for glutathione production, along with a unique and highly
bioactive compound called glutamylcysteine, which promotes glutathione production.

 There is evidence that vitamin D3 increases intracellular glutathione.
 Milk thistle is an excellent source of an antioxidant
called silymarin, which may
glutathione depletion in the liver.

help

prevent

 Exercise boosts glutathione levels.
More health beneﬁts
As you can see, healthy levels of glutathione are tremendously important
for maintaining health. In people, glutathione deficiency has been linked to
cancer, arthritis, autoimmune disease and Alzheimer’s. I have successfully used
glutathione gel in one dog with senior dementia. And intramuscular glutathione
literally saved the life of a dog dying from Xylitol ingestion; it turned him around
in a matter of hours.
You may not have heard much about glutathione before now, but it’s a good idea
to get to know this nearly miraculous antioxidant. It can help give your dog all the
support he needs for a long and healthy life.

Toxic overload!
You probably know that Tylenol (containing acetaminophen) is toxic to cats
but you may not know why. Acetaminophen rapidly depletes a cat’s stores of
glutathione, resulting in a high burden of unhandled toxic metabolites and
destruction of liver tissue. The artificial sweetener, Xylitol, can do the same
thing in dogs.
When humans overdose on Tylenol, they’re treated with something called NAC
(N-acetylcysteine) to prevent or minimize liver damage. N-acetylcysteine is a
pre-curser to the formation of glutathione in the body, and helps
replenish intracellular levels of glutathione.

animal wellness

23

MOVING
HOUSE?

By Amy Snow and Nancy Zidonis

Ease your dog’s stress with acupressure.

Moving house can be stressful. Even if you’re looking

in a completely strange place filled with unknown smells,

forward to the change of scene, it involves a huge amount

sounds and sights. While your human family knows what’s

of hassle and upheaval. And just imagine how it must

happening and has some control over the process, your

feel to your dog. His familiar surroundings are being

dog doesn’t have a clue what’s going on. In many cases,

taken apart before his eyes, and then he finds himself

this can cause stress and anxiety.

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animal wellness

Even if your dog is easy going and doesn’t seem bothered, you
may still notice some signs that he isn’t feeling comfortable. He
might turn into a “Velcro dog” who won’t leave your side. Or
he might try to manage his anxiety by digging holes in the back
garden or acting out in some other way.
If you notice some unusual behaviors in your dog during or
after a move, he is letting you know that he needs you to
comfort and assure him that whatever is happening, you love
him and aren’t leaving him. Keep in mind that dogs are more
attached to their humans than their locations, but that your
stress level becomes your dog’s stress level. And moving house
is high up on the stress scale.

Comfort him with acupressure
One of the best things you can do for the both of you is take
a break from the moving mania, sit down together, and enjoy
a Comforting Acupressure Session. It’s a way to give your dog
your undivided attention for about 20 minutes, and to help
yourself feel quieter, more grounded and centered.
As mentioned in previous articles, acupressure is an ancient
healing art based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
The intention in performing an acupressure session is
to maintain a harmonious flow of energy and nutrients

throughout the body, thereby nourishing all the internal
organs and tissues. This in turn establishes balance within
the body and supports and maintains emotional and
physical health.
An acupressure session to help your dog deal with the
stresses of moving involves acupoints that have been proven
over the centuries to help both animals and humans feel less
anxious and more secure. The acupoints presented in the chart
accompanying this article can restore balance and let your dog
know you really care about him. By following the instructions
on how to perform this brief acupressure session, you and your
dog will have what you need most right now – some peaceful
quality time together.

1

Performing the session
Start the acupressure session by sitting quietly in a spot that’s
away from the chaos of packing. Have your dog join you in
a relaxed manner. It needs to be a place where you both feel
safe, such as his bed or the couch. Breathe, and focus on your
dog feeling loved and secure. Now take four deep breaths, and
exhale fully with each.

2

You are ready for the hands-on part of the session. Place one
hand in a comfortable place on your dog. Your other hand will

animal wellness

25

be doing the acupoint work. Remember that the acupoints shown
on the chart, except for the Bai Hui point, are bilateral – this means
you will need to stimulate the points on both sides of your dog.

10 extra tips for a STRESS-FREE move
To provide additional support for your dog during a
move, combine the Comforting Acupressure Session
with the following suggestions from canine behaviorists.

1 Leave your dog’s toys, bed and food bowl where
they are until the last minute.

2 Maintain his routine as best as you can.
3 Don’t wash his special things, such as his bedding,
either before or for at least a week after moving.

4 If possible, introduce your dog to his new home
prior to the move.

5 On moving day, ask a family member or friend to
look after him at their own home.

6 Be patient and positive with your dog during the
packing and moving process.

7 Go for as many walks as you can both before and

There are two hand techniques you can use to stimulate the
acupoints. The Thumb Technique is most effective on the dog’s
head, neck, and trunk, while the Two-Finger Technique is good
for acupoints on the limbs, and with smaller dogs.
Thumb technique – Place the soft tip
of your thumb 45° to 90° perpendicular
to the acupoint shown on the chart.
You can apply about half a pound of
pressure or less, depending on the size
of your dog. You don’t need to press
hard; gentle is better because the dog’s
energy flow is just beneath his skin.
Slowly count to 30 while keeping
your thumb on the acupoint.
Two-finger technique – Place your
middle finger on top of your index
finger to form a little tent. Then place
your index finger gently, yet with
intentional firmness, directly on the
acupoint for a slow count of 30.
The hand resting on your dog, the so-called “non-working
hand”, can move as needed for you to be comfortable. Feel

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animal wellness

after the move.

8 Take a few minutes twice a day to play with your dog.
9 At your new home, ﬁnd as familiar a location as
you can for his bed.

10 Make sure your mobile phone number is on your

dog’s tag and that his collar ﬁts properly, just in case.

for reactions from your dog, such as breathing more deeply
and slowly, that indicate he is more relaxed and comfortable.
If you feel him flinch while you are stimulating a point, try
using less pressure.
Dogs usually let you know if you’re doing a good job through
energy releases such as yawning, stretching, licking, passing air,
or falling asleep. However, if your dog seems at all distressed
by the work, or a particular acupoint seems to hurt him, move
on to the next point. Let your dog tell you what he needs.
If it seems this is not the best time for him to experience an
acupressure session, stop and try again another time.

3

When you have completed the session, sit quietly for another
minute or two, and breathe. Very often your breathing will be in
sync with your dog’s. This is the moment to acknowledge how
important your beloved dog is to you, wherever you are.

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adopted a collie mix recently. He soon developed
separation anxiety, and she didn’t know why. Then a trainer
told her it was because of the way she acted whenever she left
the house. “I hated leaving him alone and always made a big
fuss of him, telling him over and over that I’d be home soon,”
Wendy says. “I was as worried about leaving him as he was to
be left, and it was making him anxious.”
As this example shows, separation anxiety isn’t always just
about the dog. I have found over the years, when working
to solve this issue, that there are several ways people can
unintentionally trigger separation anxiety in their dogs. By
watching out for these relationship errors, you can avoid or
more quickly stop separation anxiety before it becomes a
severe problem.

Don’t go away mad
Perhaps one of the most common ways you can unintentionally
trigger separation anxiety in a dog is by using the wrong kind of
leaving protocol. To better identify how your dog may feel, let’s
say you are at the dentist’s office and just had a routine cleaning.
The dentist comes in and picks up your chart. Looking at him

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animal wellness

hopefully, you notice his jaw tighten. He flips the top page with
intensity and quickly flips it back. You know this can’t be good,
and your imagination begins to spark anxiety. The dentist snaps
closed your folder, puts it down sharply, and leaves the room.
The entire time he is gone, your anxiety escalates.
What you don’t know is that the dentist wasn’t even thinking
about your teeth, but about something else entirely. Perhaps
his car mechanic gave him bad news and he left you in a huff
because he suddenly decided to call the mechanic back before
dealing with you. Meanwhile, you end up feeling a lot of
anxiety while you wait for his return.
Unfortunately, you can put your dog through a similar
experience when you leave the house. For example, maybe
you’re uptight because you’re late. A lot of dogs respond poorly
to human tension, anger or other negative emotions. If you
leave the house after displaying these feelings, your dog can feel
the same way you would in the dentist example above. Stressfilled leaving habits can not only result in the development of
separation anxiety, but your dog can start feeling anxious the
moment you pick up your keys or put on your jacket.

Too much lovin’?
Another way you can create unease in your dog before going
out may seem ironic because you probably see it as a positive
experience. Maybe you speak in a higher pitched tone of voice
as you lavish affection on your dog before you depart, and when
you return home. But what you think of as communicating love
to your dog can actually stress him.
Part of the problem is that your heightened energy can give him
the wrong impression. He is expecting something fun to follow
your excitement, such as a walk – but then you leave and close
the door on him. Likewise, the excitement you show when you
come back can create an anxious anticipation about your return
while you are gone. Not all dogs subjected to these overlyexcited departures and arrivals will end up with separation
anxiety, but I’ve met a lot who have.

A sense of security
Insecurity is a very common trigger
for separation anxiety. There are
two common ways people
can inadvertently create or
perpetuate insecurity. One is
when they allow overly submissive
behaviors in a dog. If he rolls onto

his back in a submissive manner when you approach, you
need to break this habit, because allowing it undermines his
confidence. One way I work to change this behavior is to
stop approaching the dog the moment he rolls on his back.
I try not to show disapproval, but instead turn around and
calmly walk away. Often, I will get down to floor level a
short distance away and invite the dog to receive attention
by coming over to me.
Continued on page 30.

When leaving the house, act as if it’s no
big deal – don’t get anxious or excited,
or give your dog any extra attention.

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29

humans can create anxiety in some dogs, and that
anxiety can trigger separation anxiety.
While separation anxiety sometimes stems
from factors beyond our immediate control, we
shouldn’t underestimate the influence our own
emotions and behaviors can have on our dogs.
By understanding this, and by being aware of
how your dog is responding to what is going on
around him, you can help him learn to stay calm
and collected whenever you have to go out.

Continued from page 29.
Another common way you can create insecurity in a dog is
by coddling him. If he becomes afraid, your first instinct may
be to snatch him up and cuddle him, especially if he’s a small
dog. A fearful dog has his fear confirmed when you show
tension in your haste to grab him. Soon, he learns that anytime
he feels uncertain, he needs you to survive the situation.
Unfortunately, dogs handled in this manner will begin to
follow their people around the house like a shadow, because
they’re afraid of everything, including being alone, and need
to keep their humans in sight. When you leave the house, a
fearful dog can begin having full blown panic attacks that we
label as separation anxiety.

Another common way you can
create insecurity in a dog is by
coddling him.
Teaching your dog to be more secure begins with a better
assessment of any potential threats. If the dog is not in any
danger, you need to allow him to calm down with four paws
on the floor. Retraining may be needed for dogs that have
developed shadowing problems.

Household stressors
Some of the separation anxiety I see occurs after something
stressful happens in the home. Stress can come from a change
in the household, including the loss of a family member or
military deployment. The dog not only feels the absence of
one individual as a loss, but may pick up on the elevated
stress levels among remaining family members. Stressed-out

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animal wellness

An all too common trigger of separation anxiety
stems from the adoption process. Some dogs
become very stressed in a shelter environment. If
a dog was insecure prior to entering the shelter,
perhaps because of poor socialization, then he
will be more prone to separation anxiety when he
is adopted.
Dogs coming from a shelter often need help
acclimating to a new household. Working to
create security in the dog during the ﬁrst three
weeks can help prevent separation anxiety issues.
When you ﬁrst get the dog home, don’t overwhelm
him. Allow him to slowly adjust to the household.
Once he feels more secure, instead of trying to
make up for the injustice he may have suﬀered
before, use training to help transform him into a
secure and happy dog.

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Kimberly Gauthier is a dog mom to two sets of littermates and she shares her wisdom of raising and
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The Pet Blog Lady
An ultimate networker, Lisa Taron has created a site that’s full of resources and exciting contest
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mostly on dogs and cats, Lisa recently became a chicken mama, and she sometimes shares stories
about her feather babies, too!
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animal wellness

31

Ozone therapy
It’s not widely available yet, or even approved for medical use on this side of the Atlantic,
but it’s showing a lot of promise as a healing modality for many conditions
By Mark Newkirk, VMD
You’ve probably heard of swimming pool companies and
municipalities using ozone to purify pools, spas and drinking
water. It works because it kills bacteria, fungi, mold and even
some viruses. It also breaks down waste products to sterilize
water without the use of chemicals like chlorine or bromine.
But have you ever heard of ozone being used in or on the body
to kill pathogens? Ozone therapy, also called Activated Oxygen
Therapy (AOT), is showing a lot of promise as an effective
medical modality for both companion animals and humans.

What is ozone and how does it heal?
Oxygen as you know it makes all life possible. It’s the molecule
from which all cellular energy, and thus function and healing, is
derived. What you may not know is when “activated” through
an ozone generating machine, oxygen turns from O2 (oxygen)
into O3 (ozone). This creation of a third oxygen atom is very
special and does two things:

32

animal wellness

1

2

It puts “extra” oxygen in diseased, cancerous, inflamed or
infected tissue. Typically, these areas are low in oxygen, thereby
decreasing the chances for healthy cells to survive and/or
defend themselves. Upon injecting ozone into the bloodstream
or a tumor, the O3 molecule breaks down again into oxygen
(O2 ) and an oxygen atom (O1 ). The O2 increases oxygen in
these areas, greatly boosting the body’s healing powers.

The third oxygen atom ( O1 ), meanwhile, negatively affects
abnormal cells (such as cancer cells) as well as pathogens like
bacteria, yeast, fungus and viruses. This ozone breakdown
creates what is called a “free radical” – in this case the O1
atom. This free radical breaks through the outer “wall”
that surrounds an abnormal cell or pathogen. Normal cells
have a way of protecting themselves against this effect (via
mitochondria), so normal cells get a boost of oxygen to help
them heal, while abnormal cells and pathogens have their
“walls” broken and die.

This non-toxic therapy can be used for most any resistant or degenerative disease process,
such as cancer, antibiotic-resistant infections, and severe yeast infections of the skin and ears.
It is also helpful in the treatment of arthritis, colitis, or any other inflammatory condition.
Ozone therapy
can be used for
conditions ranging
from arthritis to
cancer.

The ozone generator
creates ozone by adding
an electrostatic charge
to oxygen molecules.

How is it administered?
A special machine called an ozone generator is needed to take medical grade oxygen (O2 )
and activate it. It does this by putting an electrostatic charge to the oxygen molecule as
it passes through the machine, thus creating ozone. The O3 molecule is stable for only
short periods, which is why it does not occur in nature except in the upper atmosphere
that protects the Earth from many harmful things.
There are a variety of ways to administer activated oxygen. The number of treatments
vary, depending on the condition we’re treating. We can:
• Mix it with saline and inject it intravenously.
• Infuse it rectally for a variety of gastrointestinal diseases.
• Mix it with olive oil and use it as a topical gel for wounds.
• Wrap a shampooed animal in plastic (except for the head, of course)
and infuse the ozone into the bag to treat skin conditions.
• Flush infected ears with it.
• Inject cancerous tumors with it for great results.
People often report an increase in energy in their companions following a treatment. At
my practice, we also often make ozone water for people to take home; they can soak an
animal’s infected feet with it, and/or have the dog drink it.
At present, not a lot of veterinarians offer ozone therapy, nor is it approved by the FDA
for medical use (see sidebar). Nevertheless, I have seen it help animals that are severely
ill and/or have been given no other chance. Hopefully, with time, it will become more
widely accepted and available.
For further information about the use of ozone in humans and animals, visit the American
Academy of Ozonotherapy website at aaot.us. To find a vet who offers this therapy, visit
ahvma.org.

Ozone therapy is widely – and legally – used in Europe on both animals and
humans. Unfortunately, here in the US, it isn’t “approved” by the FDA for
medical use. Nor is it legal in Canada. Since it is not “recognized” by either
the FDA or the “legal powers” of veterinary medicine, a waiver of consent
must be signed before a veterinarian can do ozone therapy on your dog.
animal wellness

33

He’s having a

It’s scary to watch,
but don’t panic.
Many of these
conditions can
be managed
successfully with
an INTEGRATIVE
APPROACH.

By Jodie Gruenstern, DVM, CVA

Toby was a darling three-month-old Pomeranian puppy
when he had his first seizure. His guardian placed a frantic
call to the vet, and the receptionist told her to snuggle him
carefully in a blanket, avoid getting bitten, and bring him
right over. Thankfully, upon arrival at the clinic, the seizure
had passed. But he would go on to have many more, and
with increasing frequency.
The veterinarian performed a battery of screening blood tests
to rule out the many problems that can cause seizures, but it

did not produce any definitive answers or specific therapeutic
management. The assumption was that Toby had idiopathic
epilepsy, which means the cause is unknown.
Toby was fed a variety of premium diets, and conventional
anticonvulsants (phenobarbital and potassium bromide), were
prescribed. Despite the medication, he was experiencing seizures
multiple times a week, and also suffered from pancreatitis due
to the potassium bromide.
Toby’s heartbroken guardians felt they had done all they could
and he was presented for euthanasia. But he was too young
to give up on. His guardians agreed to relinquish him and my
daughter adopted him. Together, we began to try some holistic
options to manage Toby’s condition, and met with great success.

What happens during a seizure?
Few things are more distressing than watching your dog
have a seizure. The first time you witness it, you may fear
he is dying or will need to be euthanized. But it’s important
not to jump to conclusions. Many seizure disorders can be
successfully managed.
If you suspect your dog has had a seizure of any kind, take him
to your veterinarian immediately. A prolonged seizure can cause

34

animal wellness

permanent brain damage. During the seizure itself, however, the
dog is not in any pain. In fact, most humans who have had a
seizure say that all they experienced was a lapse in time. They
often “wake up” and wonder why everyone is staring at them.
During a seizure, dogs do lose control of their jaw muscles and
could bite accidentally. They commonly lose colon and bladder
control as well. So it is not unusual for them to drool profusely,
and urinate or defecate during a seizure episode.

Not all seizures are epilepsy
A lot of people assume that seizures and epilepsy are the same
thing, but many seizures are not caused by epilepsy. Unfortunately,
there is no specific test for epilepsy, so it’s what we call a diagnosis
of “rule outs”. In other words, your veterinarian needs to “rule
out” the myriad other causes of seizures (see sidebar on page 36)
before you can assume your dog has epilepsy. The distinction
is important because it affects treatment options and prognosis.

Conventional treatment means anticonvulsant drugs
Mainstream veterinarians will usually prescribe anticonvulsant
drugs for seizures, but they are not without risks. Phenobarbital
is a commonly recommended, addictive narcotic with potential
liver side effects. Potassium bromide is often piggy-backed onto
phenobarbital, but can cause pancreatitis, as in Toby’s case. Both
can be quite sedating.
Continued on page 36.

WHAT’S HE EATING?
A fresh, species-appropriate diet is an important
key to managing idiopathic epilepsy. With
any disorder whose cause is unknown, it is not
unreasonable to suspect that an underlying
deﬁciency or excess of a particular vitamin,
mineral or other nutrient may be a culprit. Even
seizure disorders with genetic predispositions are
commonly linked to a breed’s inability to properly
procure or utilize a necessary nutrient.
After Toby was put on a raw diet with Chinese
herbals and supplements, and his seizure triggers
were avoided, the frequency of his
seizures quickly decreased from
four to six times per day to one
mild seizure every six weeks. As
time went on, he was commonly
seizure-free for six
months at a time!

animal wellness

35

Continued from page 35.
For patients that must remain on a conventional anticonvulsant, an integrative veterinarian
can recommend nutritional support to protect the liver and pancreas. A popular Chinese
herbal is prescribed by Oriental practitioners to assist with liver metabolism. This
formula is called Bao Hu Jiang Jun Tang and can help prevent liver failure associated
with phenobarbital usage. The formula contains milk thistle, bupleurum, schisandra,
licorice root, salvia root, white peony and skullcap. You might recognize milk thistle as
a commonly used liver supportive herbal.
When beginning our integrative treatment of Toby, we first stopped giving him potassium
bromide; it diminishes slowly from the body on its own, so a slow withdrawal was not
necessary. However, individuals can experience withdrawal side effects if phenobarbital
is discontinued abruptly, or even if a dose is late or missed. Discontinuing this medication
should be done under veterinary supervision. Herbal care can be initiated while the dog
is still on phenobarbital.

Identify the triggers
When getting to the root of Tobyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seizures, the most important additional diagnostic
tool we used was journaling. I cannot overemphasize how useful it can be for a diligent
dog parent to note every seizure. Record the date, time of day, the current weather, and
what the dog has eaten recently, including treats. Also record household activities or
environmental exposures that occur just prior to each seizure. Just as there are multiple
causes for seizures, there are also multiple triggers for epileptic seizures such as Toby was
experiencing. Much as an allergic individual is often allergic to several things, an epileptic
individual can be stimulated to seizure for many different reasons. Therefore, one of the
main goals of therapy is to identify as many triggers as possible and eliminate them.
1. Food triggers
A weekend of close observation quickly revealed that Toby had a sensitivity to chicken.
Eliminating all chicken and replacing it with beef led to a substantial decrease in the
frequency of seizure activity! Although Toby had been given many different diets,
they all contained chicken and a starch such as corn or rice. Toby was now being fed a
balanced all-beef, starch-free raw diet.
2. Environmental triggers
Careful observation and long term journaling also made it clear that lawn treatments
and particular household floor cleaners would trigger seizure activity in Toby. Like many
epileptics, Toby would also frequently seizure at the time of a full moon. The former
triggers could be eliminated or avoided. For those that are unavoidable, like the moon phase,
knowing about their involvement allows you to be prepared and predict a seizure. It is also
possible to add an herbal or use another modality to try
and intervene with the seizure pattern.
For example, if you know a dog has a seizure
every three weeks in the evening, an acupuncture
treatment could be scheduled for the anticipated
day, or an extra dose or additional type of calming
herbal might be given. Tobyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mom, who is also
an acupuncturist, was able to pre-empt a seizure
onset with acupressure at GV 26, an acupoint

36

animal wellness

Advertorial

found at the groove between the nostrils. If necessary, even an
extra quantity of anticonvulsant might be given pre-emptively.

Western herbs and Eastern medicine
• Western herbals used to manage seizure activity have a
calming influence. These are helpful when stressful situations
trigger the seizures. Most popular in this category would
be skull cap, valerian, passion flower and oat straw. They
are safe to use with phenobarbital; they may potentiate its
effectiveness, but this is generally desirable. It may allow an
integrative veterinarian to decrease the dose of phenobarbital.
• Oriental medicine should first involve a tongue and pulse
diagnosis, and a diagnosis of the dog’s constitution. Seizure
activity is considered “internal wind” originating from the liver.
To understand this theory, think of heat producing fire with a
rising wind. A dog with a Fire constitution, red tongue and
fast pulse may have internal wind triggered by hot foods such
as chicken, lamb or venison. As in Toby’s case, a neutral food
choice such as beef or bison might be ideal. An herbal blend that
includes cooling and “shen”-calming herbals may be beneficial.
“Shen” means mind. A shen disturbance may trigger a seizure.
Toby had a red, thin tongue and a rapid pulse. His nose,
pads and skin were commonly dry. These are all heat signs.
He preferred cool areas like the floor or basement. He had a
great appetite. The Oriental diagnosis for him was liver yin
deficiency with internal wind, and kidney jing deficiency due
to the early onset of his disorder. This diagnosis helped with
the selection of a Chinese herbal formulation for Toby.
The initial herbal formula we gave Toby was Tian Ma Gou Teng
Yin with added schisandra for liver protection. This formula
contains 11 herbs. Chinese medical practitioners commonly
prescribe it for human patients with internal wind caused by
high blood pressure and its associated headaches and dizziness.
Di Tan Tang, meanwhile, is commonly called “herbal valium”,
and Ding Xian Wan is classically used for phlegm conditions.
Toby received a rotation of several different Chinese herbal
formulations, and as the frequency and severity of his seizures
diminished, he was weaned off the phenobarbital.
Toby’s journey is just one example of what can be
accomplished with the cooperation of a integrative or holistic
veterinarian, and a diligent guardian who is able and willing
to identify and manage her dog’s seizure triggers. Toby went
on to live a full and happy life, and so can many other dogs
with similar conditions.

Healing
heat

Dogs are very good at compensating for any pain or
weakness. They do this by shifting more stress onto healthy
limbs or body parts. Over time, this can lead to serious
injuries in the joints, ligaments and muscles. The dog’s
balance and coordination are also out of whack. Although the
affected body part actually has less stress put on it, the range
of motion is impeded. This leads to a lack of nourishment
for the joints and muscles around the affected area, and the
already weakened joint becomes further destabilized and
worn down.
Long wave infrared heat radiation increases blood circulation in
the tissues, relieving muscle tension, reducing pain, improving
performance, and helping prevent injury. Back on Track’s
joint and muscle support products (backontrackproducts.com)
work with radiant heat. Ceramic particles are fused into the
fibers the products are made of. When the particles absorb
body heat, they expel heat in the long wave infrared zone of
the thermal radiation spectrum.
Just like other materials, body tissues have their own
absorption spectrum. The wavelength the ceramic particles
emit is absorbed into the cells. A signal is sent to the brain
telling it that heat energy has increased, and the brain opens
up the veins, not only superficially but also in the muscles
and around the joints. This increased blood circulation
relieves muscle tension and strengthens the body’s ability to
reduce inflammation and heal injuries. These products help
dogs achieve a more active and comfortable life.
Back on Track makes no veterinary claims.

animal wellness

37

The

TRUTH
By Karen Shaw Becker, DVM

about raw food
A lot of myths continue to surround the safety of raw meat diets.
Here are the real facts.

“My gosh!

You feed your animals raw
meat?” This is one of the most frequent questions
I get from visitors to my home – and from clients
at my veterinary clinic who would like to feed
their companions a raw diet, but are getting an
argument from their own veterinarians.
The whole debate about raw food doesn’t make a lot of sense
to me. Dogs and cats have consumed living, raw meat for
thousands of years. To this day, cats catch and kill mice, and no
one calls poison control. Dogs and cats are specifically designed
to consume raw meat. Their bodies are adapted to process raw,
living foods.

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animal wellness

FAST FOOD… IT’S BAD FOR ANIMALS TOO
Processed commercial dog and cat food is a relatively new
phenomenon, introduced only about 100 years ago. However,
your animal’s GI tract has not evolved in those 100 years to
make good use of a diet based entirely on poor quality kibble
– and it never will.
Fortunately, the bodies of dogs and cats are amazingly
resilient and capable of handling foods that aren’t biologically
appropriate. Unfortunately, this has led to a situation of dietary
abuse in the veterinary community.
Commercial pet foods – especially dry diets – are so convenient
that the majority of vets recommend them for all their patients.

It’s easy to feed, inexpensive, and there’s no
preparation or cleanup required. You stash
the bag in the pantry, scoop out a portion
at meal time, drop it in your animal’s food
dish and you’re done.

wind up in the guts of prey animals. But here’s the thing. We don’t feed guts to our
animals! If you buy a commercially available raw food diet, you will not find guts
in the formula because guts contain parasites. If you prepare a homemade raw diet
for your dog or cat, you don’t include the guts. Those are the parts of the prey we
get rid of, because they harbor parasites.

Because commercial pet food has been so
successfully marketed (dog and cat food
products are a multimillion dollar industry),
and because our animals’ bodies are resilient
and can survive on this stuff, we have been
lulled into a sense of complacency about
the food we feed them.

Muscle meat – the part of prey animals used to prepare raw food diets – is sterile
except in rare instances when parasites escape the GI tract and travel there.

Most veterinary students don’t learn
about species-appropriate pet food in vet
school. The only foods discussed are the
processed, commercial pet formulas. The
concept of feeding a living food diet is
foreign to many vets.

If something
potentially harmful isn’t

entirely neutralized
by stomach acid, the bile
is a secondary defense.
It doesn’t take much research to uncover
the fact that dogs and cats are designed by
nature to eat living foods – unprocessed,
raw, nourishing foods. Feeding a
commercial formula is a bit like deciding
your child can be healthy on a diet of meal
replacement bars. A meal replacement bar
is fine now and then, but no sane parent
would ever consider raising a child on
those alone. Yet that’s what we’re doing
when we feed our animals nothing but
poor quality, commercial, processed foods.

Certain other parasites, like Toxoplasma gondii which causes toxoplasmosis,
can get into muscle meat and make your animal sick, which is why you
should freeze raw meat for three days before feeding it to your dog or cat.
By freezing meats three days before serving (a lot like how
sushi is handled) and removing the guts of prey species,
you can successfully avoid exposing your raw-fed
animal to parasites.

WHAT ABOUT SALMONELLA?
This is the second most frequently
asked question I receive. The most
important thing to understand
about Salmonella, or any other
potentially pathogenic bacteria, is
that contamination absolutely does
occur. It’s a fact of life.
Salmonella is the reason behind most
recalls of dry pet foods (and human
foods as well). When a Salmonella
outbreak occurs, there has been
contamination in the food chain.
The word Salmonella is used to describe
over 1,800 serovars (species) of gram-negative
bacteria. This bacteria lives in many species of
mammal. The most common bacteria riding around in
your dog or cat is Salmonella typhimurium.
Continued on page 40.

Living foods in your companion’s diet are
necessary for successful overall immune
and organ function.

ELIMINATING PARASITES
It seems the biggest problem most people
have with raw meat diets revolves around
parasites. Roundworms, hookworms and
tapeworms are passed up the food chain and
animal wellness

39

Continued from page 39.
I want to quote from an article titled “Campylobacter and
Salmonella-Associated Diarrhea in Dogs and Cats: When
Do I Treat?” It was written by Stanley L. Marks, BVSc, PhD,
DACVIM (Internal Medicine, Oncology), DACVN, for the
Veterinary Information Network (VIN):

Dogs and cats are built to handle bacterial loads from food
that would cause significant illness in you or me. Their bodies
are well equipped to deal with heavy doses of familiar and
strange bacteria because nature built them to catch, kill and
immediately consume their prey.

“The clinical significance of bacteria such as clostridium and
salmonella causing diarrhea or illness in dogs and cats is
clouded by the existence of many of these organisms as normal
constituents of the indigenous intestinal flora. The primary
enteropathogenic bacteria most commonly incriminating in
canine and feline diarrhea is Clostridium perfringens,
Clostridium difficile, Campylobacter, and Salmonella.

Your dog’s or cat’s stomach is highly acidic, with a pH range of
1 to 2.5. Nothing much can survive an environment that acidic
– it exists to keep him safe from potentially contaminated raw
meat and other consumables.

Veterinarians are faced with a quandary when attempting to
diagnose small animals with suspected bacterial-associated
diarrhea because the isolation rates of these pathogenic bacteria
are similar in diarrheic and non-diarrheic animals, and because
the incidence of bacterial-associated diarrhea is extremely
variable. Salmonella species are commonly isolated from both
healthy and hospitalized dogs and cats.”
What this is saying, in a nutshell, is that dogs and cats naturally
have some Salmonella in their GI tracts much of the time –
it’s not some unknown foreign invader but rather one their
bodies are familiar with.
Here’s a quote from another article written by Rhea V. Morgan,
DVM, DACVIM, DACVO, for VIN:
“Factors that increase the likelihood of clinical disease from
Salmonella include the age of the animal, poor nutrition, the
presence of cancer or neoplasia, and other concurrent diseases
and stress, as well as the administration of antibiotics,
chemotherapy or glucocorticoids [which are steroids].”

In addition to the acid, dogs and cats also naturally produce
a tremendous amount of bile. Bile is both anti-parasitic and
anti-pathogenic. So if something potentially harmful isn’t
entirely neutralized by stomach acid, the bile is a secondary
defense. And your animal’s powerful pancreatic enzymes also
help break down and digest food.

Providing your favorite pooch or feline with a balanced,
biologically sound diet, a healthy lifestyle, digestive enzymes
and probiotics (see sidebar below), will optimally nourish
him, support healthy immunologic function, and bring overall
vibrancy to his body. This is in direct contrast to feeding a
low-end commercial formula of highly processed rendered byproducts, chemicals and grains – the typical mainstream pet
food sold today. The sooner you transition your companion
to the kind of diet he was designed to eat, the sooner he will
be on his way to vibrant good health.

The bottom line is that potentially harmful bacteria reside in
your animal’s GI tract whether you feed raw foods or not. In
other words, he is already “contaminated” with Salmonella.

KEEPING HIS GI TRACT IN GOOD SHAPE

To help your animal’s digestive system remain strong and resilient enough to handle a heavy
bacterial load, and to support overall immune function, there are several things you can do.
Minimize stress by feeding a species-appropriate, meat-based diet, the kind your dog or cat is
meant to eat.
Minimize the drugs your animal takes, such as antibiotics. Re-seed the gut during and after
antibiotic therapy with a probiotic. It’s also a good idea to keep your dog or cat on a daily
probiotic to balance the ratio of good to bad bacteria (gut ﬂora).
A good quality digestive enzyme will help your dog’s or cat’s body get the most out of his food.

40

animal wellness

YOUR DOGâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S

JOINT HEALTH
By Frederico Latimer, DVM, MS, DACVS

Osteoarthritis

is common in dogs. Causes include
developmental orthopedic diseases (such as hip dysplasia
and osteochondrosis). These negatively impact joint health
early in life, especially in large breeds. Other causes include
cranial cruciate ligament injury, joint fractures or dislocations,
autoimmune disorders, infections, age and obesity. These
diseases involve inflammation and loss of joint fluid, resulting
in poor lubrication and cartilage nutrition.
Adult cartilage has a limited healing capacity. When damaged,
it is replaced by scar tissue that cannot withstand the wear
and tear that healthy cartilage can easily accommodate. If left
unchecked, this process becomes a cycle of joint damage with
inflammation, further reducing cartilage nutrition and leading
to even more damage and inflammation.
Ways to keep joints healthy include maintaining a healthy
weight and being active, reducing inflammation in injured
or severely affected joints, and feeding proper nutrition to
promote cartilage health. Omega-3 fatty acids enhance joint
fluid quality, while chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine
protect cartilage. These and boswellia, willow bark, and
bromelain have anti-inflammatory effects for inflamed joints.
Innovative therapies using platelet-rich plasma extracts and
culture-expanded stem cells, combined with hyperbaric
oxygen therapy, also improve joint health and magnify and
prolong beneficial clinical effects.

Dr Federico Latimer is a Board-Certified Veterinary Surgeon. He earned his Doctorate in Veterinary
Medicine from The Ohio State University in 1984 and was in private practice in Puerto Rico until 1987.
He has worked on the surgical faculties at the University of Tennessee, North Carolina State University,
Oregon State University, Louisiana State University, and The Ohio State University.

animal wellness

41

To the Rescue
Great Dane Friends of Ruff Love Rescue –

Animal Wellness will donate 40% of each subscription
purchased using promo code AWA117 to Great Dane
Friends of Ruff Love Rescue.

Location: Foster homes throughout North Carolina/upstate South Carolina
Year established: 2009
Number of staff/volunteers/foster homes: 40 volunteers and foster homes
Types of animal they work with: Great Danes and other dogs, especially those that
may be passed up by other rescues due to special needs
Fundraising initiatives: “Our biggest fundraising goal is to pay for medical care for the
dogs,” says Cinnamon Ellison. “Being in the south, we get a lot of heartworm positive
dogs, and we also take on special needs dogs that other rescues may pass up due to
expense. Our foster homes provide all the food, toys, bedding and love. We pay 100% of
all medical expenses. We have had hip replacements done as well as TPLO surgeries, gold
bead implants for Wobbler’s, parvo treatments and bloat surgeries.”
Favorite rescue story: “Ella and her pups were surrendered to a local shelter after she
gave birth. The runt of the litter was very weak; the shelter thought she wouldn’t make it
and asked if we just wanted to leave her. We said no way and brought her back with the
rest of them. Ella developed severe mastitis and the pups had to be bottle fed. We split
the pups up into individual foster homes. It took several months but with love, medical
attention and lots of great care, all the pups survived and so did Ella. All were adopted
out into great forever homes – even the little runt, Edwiena. She is now in a home with
her own little child owner, and they adore each other!”
greatdanefriends.com

Before

After

Ella before, and 14 days
after, being rescued.

French Bulldog Rescue Network – Animal Wellness will donate 40% of each subscription purchased using
promo code AWA188 to French Bulldog Rescue Network.

Champ (top) and Minkie and
Boston (bottom) are just a few
of the French bulldogs that have
been rescued and re-homed.

42

animal wellness

Location: Foster homes throughout the US and Canada
Year established: 2001
Number of staff/volunteers/foster homes: 890 volunteers and 575 foster homes
Types of animal they work with: French bulldogs from commercial breeding kennels,
import brokers, shelters, rescue groups, and owners who can no longer care for them, etc.
Fundraising initiatives: “We attend dog festivals throughout the US and Canada to raise money
with our ‘Frenchie Kissing Booths’,” says Letitia Wallace. “We partner with small businesses
that host special fundraisers to donate a percentage of their sales to foster dogs in need; and
larger companies that donate a percentage of their sales to us every month. We sell Frenchie
merchandise featuring artwork designed exclusively for us (zazzle.com/frenchbulldogrescue). We
also host online fundraising events through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, such as our annual
Pizza Pawty, seasonal auctions, and limited edition product sales.”
Favorite rescue story: “Minkie suffers from spina bifida, microvascular dysplasia, and food
allergies, and was slated for euthanasia. Through the efforts of a Good Samaritan, a loving
foster family, and our generous supporters, little Miss Minkie has beaten all odds and is now
a pint-sized warrior available for adoption [as of this writing]. Despite her disability, she can
do ‘zoomies’ with the best of them, and even enjoys a good wrestle or game of tug with her
foster sister. So long as there is a warm lap to curl up in when playtime is over, Minkie is a
happy girl. If snuggling were an Olympic sport, she’d win the gold – and probably the silver
and bronze to boot!”
frenchbulldogrescue.org

Animal Wellness has supported rescue efforts for almost 15 years and is a proud partner of
Best Friends Animal Society. This column honors the work of shelters and rescues across North America.
For their full stories, visit www.AnimalWellnessMagazine.com

Location: Valparaiso, IN
Year established: 2012
Number of staff/volunteers/foster homes: About 30 volunteers and six to ten foster homes
Types of animal they work with: All breeds, especially gentle giants
Fundraising initiatives: “Our fundraising goes towards vet bills and care of our dogs,”
says Penny Emerson. “We do educational events as well. We did an animal wellness
event in February to go along with dental health month. Gibby, our mascot great
Pyrenees, has been certified as a therapy dog; we take him in to schools and speak to
children about rescue, adoption, dog safety and care.”
Favorite rescue story: “Mufasa roamed LaPorte County for seven or eight months
before being caught by a child with a slip lead and taken to a shelter. Mufasa had
food aggression and was scheduled to be euthanized; we picked him up the morning
before. In our care, Mufasa was fed a raw diet. When he learned he would always have
something to eat, he got over his food aggression. Mufasa now has a forever home. He
can detect when his owner’s blood sugar drops and nudges her awake with his nose.
He is a loving, caring boy who now has a job as a self-taught service dog!”
giantpawprints.com
Mufasa (top) now has a new home
and job. Volunteers (bottom) at a
fundraising event.

Duck Team 6 –

Animal Wellness will donate 40% of each subscription purchased using promo code
AWA193 to Duck Team 6.

Location: Dallas, TX
Year established: 2012
Number of staff/volunteers/foster homes: Over 130 volunteers and roughly 40
active foster homes
Types of animal they work with: “We are mainly a street dog rescue but have been
known to help other animals too,” says Mandi Schmitz.
Fundraising initiatives: “Our fundraisers are continuous and always changing.
We are featured on MuchMoreThanMe.com – $7 from the sale of each shirt on
the website goes to Duck Team 6 when you pick our organization. We are also
currently in the planning stages of our first ever gala, Canines and Cadillacs. Our
goal is to raise enough funds to provide veterinary care, particularly sterilization
surgeries, for as many dogs in low-income areas as possible. A long-term goal is
to have a brick-and-mortar facility where we can temporarily house the dogs we
rescue while they are being evaluated for medical and social issues, before they go
into foster care.”
Favorite rescue story: “Nadine was a stray dog who was wandering around in
the woods near Dallas. She was found to have a microchip, and we traced her to
a woman named Melanie Barnes in Kellar, which was 36 miles away from where
we found the dog. Melanie told us that Nadine (her real name is Bella) jumped her
fence and escaped two years before. Needless to say, Melanie and Bella were more
than thrilled to be reunited after all that time.”
duckteam6.org
animal wellness

43

tips for successful
HOUSETRAINING
By Sandra Murphy

It doesn’t matter whether you’re adopting a puppy or an untrained adult dog. As soon
as you bring him home, one of the first things you need to do is teach him not to do his
business on the floor. For many people, housetraining a dog or puppy can be a daunting
prospect, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are six suggestions to help ensure your pooch
learns to go potty in the right place.

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animal wellness

1. Pick
a location

As with real estate, the first decision to
make when housetraining a dog is location,
location, location.
Start by picking a particular spot in your yard
(a place that’s easily accessible for both you
and the dog, but away from human traffic).
When taking him outside to do his business,
use the same door to go in and out by. Eileen
Proctor, dog trainer and pet lifestyle expert,
says using the same door lets the dog know
that he’s going on a potty break.
Don’t send him outside by himself. Go with
him and take him to the approved area.
After all, you don’t want him going in your
veggie garden or on your patio.
Going for short walks along a familiar route
will also encourage your pup to eliminate –
just make sure you clean up any solid waste
he leaves behind. “Short leash walks not
only help with nice leash manners, but the
dog will potty multiple times during a walk
instead of just going once and returning to
the house,” says dog trainer Amy Robinson.

2. Follow
a routine

“Get a routine set in stone for the first few
weeks,” says Kathryn Smith, who shares
her life with several Scotties. “The best
investment is a kitchen timer or alarm clock.
Continued on page 46.
animal wellness

45

Continued from page 45.

HOUSETRAINING THE ADULT DOG

When you adopt a grown dog from a shelter
or rescue, you won’t know if or how well he
was trained as a puppy. For example, a stray
or other dog that has spent most of his life
outdoors may not know the first thing about
appropriate elimination.
“You won’t know if the dog has been trained
to go on grass, concrete or newspapers – or
if he was trained at all,” says Judy Weisbrot,
who has rescue dogs of her own. “Never let
an untrained dog have the run of the house.
Keep him close to you by leashing him to
your waist so you can watch for signs that he
needs to go out.”
“In my experience, rescues and older dogs
want to please you so much it only takes one
correction for them to get it,” adds rescuer
Barbara Ranson. “When adopting a rescue,
ask if there are cue words the dog knows, or
any quirks he has about where he goes.”

In the morning, get out of bed, and do not stop at the bathroom, do not
brush your teeth, do not turn on the coffee – take the dog out first!”
Make sure the whole family knows the routine. “Use the same cue word
each time the dog goes out,” says Eileen. “Everybody has to follow the
same script or the dog will be confused and training will take longer.”

3. Praise –
never punish
“When he goes [in the right spot],
praise him like he’s just won the
Pulitzer Prize,” says Eileen.
“Always reinforce appropriate
behavior and ignore
unwanted behavior.”

If your pooch has an accident
in the house, never rub his nose in
it. He won’t understand what he did wrong and may learn to hide his
mistakes rather than ask to go outside. For all accidents, use a cleaner that
will penetrate tiny cracks in wood flooring or go all the way to the carpet
pad. Never use ammonia; urine and ammonia smell alike to a puppy and
he’ll see it as a big red target that says, “Go here!”
“For poop mistakes, one trick is to relocate the mistake, or as I call it,
tamper with the evidence,” says Eileen. “Take it outside and put it in the
designated area. It will clue the dog in to realize, ‘Oh yeah, I went here
before’ so he’ll do it again – where he should.”

4. Monitor access
to food and water
INDOOR BATHROOM

For small dogs, apartment dwellers, and/or
people with mobility issues, a cat’s litter box
or pee pad can become an indoor bathroom.
“Teach him to use the litter box or pad the
same way you would train outside,” says
Amy. “Position it where the dog can get to
it quickly and easily, but away from his food
and water. Take him there as soon as he
wakes up in the morning, after a nap, when
he’s done eating, has been playing, or 20
minutes after he’s had water to drink.
“Change the pad every time the dog uses it,”
Amy adds. “It’s like changing a diaper. It will
teach him that clean is better.”

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animal wellness

“Don’t free feed your dog or give him unlimited access to water,”
adds Eileen. “Put your dog on a feeding routine. Regulate the time and
quantity of food and water, and that regulates potty breaks. Take up the
water bowl a couple of hours before bedtime.” During the housetraining
process, a small quantity of water offered frequently is a better idea than
a big bowlful. It will keep your dog from getting into the habit of 3am
potty breaks.

5. Keep him close

During the housetraining process, keep your pup or dog
close by, either with a short leash or by keeping him
confined to one area. A crate can be handy for this, as
long as he isn’t spending all his time in it. “Two weeks
of crate time and leash walking helped housetrain
Shadow,” says Cindy Bryan of her year-old rescue dog.
“I also made a huge deal of praising him. He had a few
accidents at first but now will go to the back door and
squeak if he has to go.”

IN A NUTSHELL

A handy checklist of tips for
successful housetraining.

Decide where the dog will go.
Follow a routine – take him out first thing
after he wakes up, as well as after meals,
play, and 20 minutes after water.
Use the same cue word and make sure
everyone in the family does the same.

6. Know the signs

What are the signs that your pup or dog needs to go out?
“Look for a pause in play, a sit, sniffing or a thoughtful
look,” says Amy. If he starts wandering distractedly
around and sniffing the floor as if he’s looking for
something, it’s time to take him out.
“Housetraining a puppy takes the vigilance of a Navy
Seal,” says Amy. “I liken it to potty training a naked
toddler. One moment of inattention and the puppy has
found a spot to take care of his business. Take comfort
in the fact that puppies housetrain faster than toddlers
potty train!”
Housetraining is likely the first training experience you
will have with your new pup. Make it as pleasant as
possible so he’ll look forward to learning more things with
you. Know that dogs are eager to please, and that once
he’s learned his manners, the rewards of sharing your life
with a dog really begin!

Reward desired behavior with praise or a
small treat. Ignore unwanted behavior
and redirect the dog’s attention to what
you want. Never yell.
When there’s an accident, don’t
comment. Thoroughly clean to remove
all odors.
Keep him near you or confined until he’s
got the hang of it.
“WHEN HE GOES [IN THE RIGHT SPOT],
PRAISE HIM LIKE HE’S JUST WON THE
PULITZER PRIZE.”
animal wellness

47

Manny’s
mag
ic
makes him friends around
the world

It’s clear

that Amber Chavez is smitten with her
French bulldog, Manny. Little did she know that hundreds of
thousands of others would come to feel the same way! As the
world’s most followed Frenchie, Manny has friends all over the
globe. So how did this precocious little guy – the runt of the
litter – work his way into the hearts of so many?
“I think what makes him special is how sweet and personable
he is,” explains Amber. “We’ve never met a dog with such
personality! He is so funny, all on his own, so we try to capture
all his hilarious moments to share with the world.”

48

animal wellness

By Dana Cox

When Amber and her husband, Jon, brought Manny home to
Chicago, they were so entertained by his antics they wanted to
share them with friends and family. They started an Instagram
page so anyone could check in to see what Manny was up to. It
turned out he was up to a lot! While rambunctious much of the
time, it was his sleeping habits that gained the French bulldog
his notoriety.
“He honestly likes to sleep in the sink,” laughs Amber. “He
actually asks for help to get on the counter every time someone
goes into the bathroom.”

Amber posted one of Manny’s sink photos and it landed on the “popular page” of
Instagram. From there, Manny’s fame spread at record speed, and now his schedule
is starting to reflect his popularity.
“We were recently invited to do meet and greets for four of the Chicago Bulls biggest
games this season,” says Amber. “Manny has a blast at those kinds of events because
he loves to make new friends.”
With fame comes responsibility, however, and Amber and Manny do what they can
to “give back”.
“Manny hosts quarterly dog parties or ‘pawties’ at a great facility – Paradise4Paws,”
explains Amber. “We partner with different sponsors and a portion of the proceeds go
to different charities.”
Manny is also the canine face of American Apparel, a clothing company that contacted
Amber about collaborating on a charity fundraiser. They used Manny’s mug on both
human and dog clothes, which got a huge response from Manny’s fan base.
With such a hectic schedule, Amber is very conscientious about keeping Manny
in tiptop form. After all, she and Jon named him after the famous Filipino boxer,
Manny Pacquiao.

Photos courtesy of Amber Chavez and Jon Huang

“Manny lives the good life,” says Amber. “He goes on lots of walks and loves to run. He
also stays fit playing with our other two dogs, Leila, a half boxer/half bulldog rescue, and
Frank, an eight-month-old blue French bulldog. They run around the house together all
day! We feed Manny Evanger’s, which has done wonders for his weight, and I make them
all homemade organic dog treats whenever possible. All three of the dogs also take daily
supplements pertaining to their age.”
Continued on page 50.

When he’s not
sleeping in the
sink, Manny love
Leila and younge
s to play with ol
r “brother” Frank
der “sister”
, who now shar
the Manny and
e his celebrity sta
Friends website.
tus on
animal wellness

49

Manny has his own
clothing line, as well
as a calendar. Soon to
come – his very own
line of bow tie collars.

Continued from page 49.
When he’s not appearing at various charity events, Manny’s happy getting as close to his
“parents” as possible. “He is so attached to us; you can usually find him next to Jon or I at
all times.”
Of course, there’s always time for another photo. “He’s such a ham,” laughs Amber. “I
swear he poses. He just loves to have his picture taken; it’s adorable!”
That’s good news for Manny’s many fans, who look forward to more entertaining
shots for years to come.
For more information about Manny and Friends, visit his website, mannythefrenchie.com
or follow him on Instagram – manny_the_frenchie or manny_and_friends.

See your favorite shelter featured in the
internationally famous
comic strip!

Readers the world over love following the antics of Earl and
Mooch, the stars of the syndicated comic strip MUTTS.
Featured in more than 700 newspapers in 20 different countries,
MUTTS is the creation of Patrick McDonnell, who started the
strip in 1994 as a way of combining his love for animals with
his passion for this art form. MUTTS has garnered the author
many awards, including the Reuben for Cartoonist of the Year,
and several for his environmentalism and animal advocacy.

and his wife Karen share their home with Amelia, a rescued
Jack Russell terrier and a formerly feral cat called Not Ootie.

McDonnell is a member of the board of directors for the Humane
Society of the United States as well as being involved in the
Fund for Animals. He is a strong supporter of pet adoption – he

For more on MUTTS, check out our full interview with Patrick McDonnell
at animalwellnessmagazine.com/mutts-comics-interview/

McDonnell’s last dog, Earl, inspired the antics of the character
by the same name in his comic strip. Mooch is an embellished
version of all the cats McDonnell has known throughout the
years. Readers can check out all the nutty escapades of Mooch
and friends in McDonnell’s new book, Cat Crazy.

What in the world could possibly stress out a cat? They
have their every need met by their faithful human servants, and
are blessed with the freedom to do whatever they want with their
days, whether it’s sleeping on the sofa, sunbathing in a windowsill,
or playing with their favorite toys. To us, with our hectic schedules,
deadlines and worries, it may seem an enviable life.
But the fact is, a lot of things can stress your feline companion
and even make him ill. For example, most cats like their familiar
routines, so anything out of the ordinary, whether it’s another new
cat, a move, home remodeling, or even a change in the position of
household furnishings, can cause them to feel stressed.
In addition to changes in the environment, your cat can also be
negatively affected by your own stress. Cats and their humans often
mirror each others’ physical and emotional states. Felines are sensitive
creatures, and they can easily take on their humans’ problems.
Because of the bond shared between cats and their families, energetic
imbalances may also be shared, and illness can result.

Connected by more than

love

• A study conducted at The Ohio State University demonstrated
the connection between external stress and illness in cats. The
study looked at 32 cats over a period of 77 days. Twelve were
healthy and 20 had feline interstitial cystitis.
During the study, researchers created a consistent environment
for the cats. The cats were housed in large enclosures that

56

feline wellness

offered an enriched environment consisting of elevated resting
boards, cardboard hiding boxes, bedding and toys. They had
daily playtime outside their enclosures, both with other cats
and their human caretakers, and were treated to classical
music in the mornings and afternoons.
When the cats experienced what were called “unusual external
events”, however, such as a change in feeding schedule or
caretaker, the healthy cats in the study were just as likely to
exhibit sickness behaviors such as vomiting or eliminating
outside the litter box as were the chronically ill cats. Both
groups responded to unusual events with the same number of
sickness behaviors, and both also had more than three times
the risk of acting sick when their routines were disrupted.
The researchers also found they had to manage their own stress
levels when they were around the cats. “I had to be careful if I
was having a bad day so it didn’t rub off on the cats,” says Judi
Stella, PhD, a post-doctoral researcher at Purdue University
who participated in the study.
• Holistic veterinarian Dr. Patrick Mahaney has seen this same
phenomenon in some of his clients and their cats. “Cats will
sometimes show signs of illness after there’s been a loss of
another animal or human family member in the household,”
he says. “Idiopathic FLUTD [feline lower urinary tract disease
with unknown physical causes] is a prime example. Frequently,
the cat is stressed, and the owner is stressed.” Dr. Mahaney

has found that these clients, while often not aware of the
connection between their stress and their cats’, are receptive
to feedback and understand that helping their kitties recover
involves managing their own stress.
• Veterinarian Dr. Jenny Beard has seen the same thing in
cats with interstitial cystitis living with guardians who are
going through stressful times. “The same neurotransmitters
involved in stress responses in the brain can affect the nerves
to other organs,” she says. “In these cases, cats’ bladders
become inflamed and painful.”
Dr. Beard believes that cats will also pick up on their
guardians’ distress over an existing illness in their felines.
She frequently sees this in chronically or terminally ill cats.
Dr. Beard will talk to these cat parents about how important
it is to spend time simply “being” with their cats, enjoying
their company, and letting the worry go. She has had
personal experience with this. “I feel strongly that managing
my stress and worry during Squishycat’s last two years of
living with cancer, and just allowing us to ‘be’ together,
helped boost her immune system and remain healthy much
longer than her prognosis predicted,” she says.
Stress is a fact of life, and can’t always be avoided. But there
is a lot you can do to make life less stressful for your feline
charges, and for yourself (see sidebar). Not only will it improve
your own well being and state of mind, but it’ll help your cat
feel better as well. It’s a win-win situation!

1

Manage her stress – and your own
To start with, look at any environmental changes that
might be stressing your cat, and do what you can to
remove or minimize them. When making any changes
or introducing something new to the household, do it
as gradually as you can. Provide plenty of toys, and
spend daily time playing with your cat – this is a great
stress reliever for both of you, and can also help your
cat cope if he’s grieving a loss. If you need to travel,
consider having a friend, family member or pet sitter
come to your home to care for your cat rather than
subjecting her to the stress of boarding.

2

Managing your cat’s stress may not be enough if you
don’t bring your own stress under control. Look at
what’s causing your own stress, and see if you can do
something to reduce or at least make it more tolerable.
Practice stress management techniques such as
getting regular exercise, eating healthy foods, making
time for yourself, starting a meditation practice, doing
deep breathing exercises, etc.
animal wellness

57

A

nyone who lives where ticks are found is
familiar with the dangers of Lyme disease
to humans. But we don’t hear as much about it in connection
with cats. The fact is, though you may wonder and worry
about your cat contracting Lyme disease, it appears felines
are less vulnerable to the infection than we are.
Lyme disease is caused by a bacterium called Borrelia
burgdorferi, which is found in infected blacklegged deer ticks
in both the US and Canada. In the US alone, the number
of human Lyme disease cases reported to the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention is around 30,000 each year.
In humans, if the infection is not caught early enough
and treated with antibiotics, the disease can become
debilitating. But Lyme disease doesn’t manifest so severely
in cats, says veterinarian Dr. Meryl Littman, professor
of medicine at the University of Pennsylvania School of
Veterinary Medicine in Philadelphia.
“Cats don’t usually get sick with Lyme disease even when
they are exposed to the organism,” she says.

WHY WOULD CATS BE LESS PRONE TO LYME?
Ticks infected with Lyme disease transmit the illness by
biting. The infection enters the body through the blood,
which the ticks feed on. It takes two to four days for a tick
to transmit Lyme disease into a cat, says Dr. Littman, but
since cats are fastidious groomers, it is likely they remove
the ticks before the infection can get into their bodies.
Dr. Littman adds that it also possible cats may be naturally
resistant to getting ill from Lyme, in the same way they are
resistant to getting sick from leptospirosis, a disease caused
by a bacteria from the same class that causes Lyme.

Can

CATS
get

?

LYME

By Stephanie Bouchard

DISEASE

They’re less vulnerable to infection than we
are, but it’s still important to take precautions.

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feline wellness

But just because cats usually don’t get sick from Lyme
disease, that doesn’t mean they don’t get exposed to it.
Some cats found with ticks, and who have symptoms such
as fever and lethargy, have been found to test positive for
Lyme. However, testing positive only proves exposure,
says Dr. Littman. It doesn’t prove that any signs of illness
are due to Lyme. (No specific Lyme disease test is available
for cats.) Even treatment with the antibiotic doxycycline
doesn’t prove the cause of illness to be Lyme, Dr. Littman
notes, since doxycycline treats many other kinds of
infection and has anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic
properties that may help an ill cat feel better, whether she
has Lyme or not.

However, not everyone agrees that cats aren’t susceptible to Lyme. Veterinarian Dr. Cathy
Alinovi, owner of Healthy PAWsibilities, an integrative veterinary clinic in northwestern
Indiana, is not convinced that cats are unaffected by the disease. “Cats just don’t show
clinical signs as obviously as dogs, so they are dismissed as being Lyme patients, in my
opinion,” she says.

PROTECTION IS IMPORTANT
While cats may not be in as much danger from Lyme disease as humans are, it is still
important to make sure they are protected against ticks, says veterinarian Dr. Lisa Feinstein
of Plantation Animal Hospital in South Florida. Ticks carry other diseases that can make cats
very sick, such as cytauxzoonosis, also known as bobcat fever, which is frequently fatal.
•L
imit your cat’s exposure to ticks by keeping him indoors and away from long grass or
wooded areas, where the parasites are most often to be found.
•T
opical tick prevention can be achieved with natural products. Veterinarian Dr. Cindy
Kneebone of the East York Animal Clinic Holistic Centre in Toronto, says she soaks
collars with an herbal formula that includes vodka, lavender and rose geranium. The
collar is placed on the cat after the mixture has dried, and effectively repels ticks.
•T
he best way to prevent your cat from getting Lyme disease is through diet, says Dr.
Alinovi. “Great food is my number one treatment to boost the immune system in any
of my patients,” she says. “Food is the primary input to everything – from the nervous
system to the immune system. So if we can feed the highest quality foods, our cats will
have the best immune systems possible.”
r. Alinovi recommends feeding cats a primarily meat diet (raw,
D
cooked or canned) made from the highest quality ingredients. For
cats hooked on dry foods, she suggests looking for products that
list whole meat as one of the first ingredients.
• For cats that have been exposed to Lyme, Dr. Alinovi uses a
combination of antibacterial and anti-parasitic herbs. For antiparasitic herbs, she recommends artemisia, pumpkin seeds and
stinging nettle. Antibacterial herbs include neem, noni, coptis
and goldenseal.

CATS DON’T USUALLY GET SICK WITH LYME DISEASE EVEN
WHEN THEY ARE EXPOSED TO THE ORGANISM.”
Dr. Alinovi cautions that this treatment is not as easy as it sounds,
because cats are not always cooperative medicine-takers, and
because the herbs required are not available in the smaller doses
cats need. “One human size capsule is six to eight doses for a cat,”
she cautions. Dr. Alinovi usually opens a capsule, mixes the contents
with water or chicken broth, then syringes the appropriate dose into
her feline patient’s mouths.
While Lyme disease isn’t a major issue for most cats, it’s nevertheless
a good idea to know something about it, and more importantly, how
to protect your kitty from tick exposure and potential infection.
feline wellness

59

By Mary Ellen “Angelscribe”

Soft, stylish and safe, it’s the cat’s meow.

Now that spring’s here, your kitty may want to go outside to
enjoy the sunshine and feel the new grass under his paws. One
way to safely allow him to explore the great outdoors is by
putting a harness and leash on him and taking him for strolls.
You can buy harnesses designed to fit cats, but if you’re feeling
creative, you can also make one.
The lightweight harnesses I sew for our Persians resemble a vest.
They support the cats’ chests and don’t put any pressure on their
necks. They fit well and curve comfortably to fit their bodies.

What you’l need

Fabric in your choice of color or pattern*
1” D-ring for leash attachment
¾”x4” strip of Velcro for neck fastening
1½”x 5” strip of Velcro for waist fastening
¼”or ½” double-sided bias tape for edge finishing
1” strapping for the back of the harness
*Be sure to choose a breathable, lightweight fabric that’s not
too heavy or hot, but that also isn’t slippery or stretchy. You
want something that will hold its shape and that your cat won’t
be able to slide out of. Canvas works well because it holds the
D-ring securely in place; as well, the ring won’t pull or distort
canvas the way it could with stretchier fabrics. Color choices are
up to you, but I use bright neon hues for extra safety.

Instructions

 Measure around your cat’s neck and midsection, making sure
not to go either too tight or too loose – you should be able to
comfortably fit two fingers between the measuring tape and
the cat’s body.

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feline wellness

 Design and create a sample pattern that fits your cat; use an old
T-shirt from your “rag bag” to get the right size before making
the actual harness. You can find patterns on the Internet or in
pattern books to use as a model, or see the photo shown here
for what the harness will
look like after it’s cut out.
Extend the “H” arms at a
gentle angle so they will
wrap around the cat and
overlap. Some overlap
allows room for the
Velcro fastenings – the advantage of using Velcro is that as your
cats loses his winter coat, you can adjust the fastening for an exact
safe fit that he cannot wriggle out of. Once you have a properlysized template of your harness, cut it out onto your chosen fabric.
 When sewing the harness, use a needle specifically for thicker
fabrics. Adjust your sewing machine to a medium to large
zigzag stitch for stronger holding properties. Note: when
sewing in the “D” ring and Velcro, remember to overdo the
stitching to secure them place. You do not want
anything pulling or unraveling.
 Sew a piece of 1” strapping down the
center of the harness back. Stop halfway
and slip the “D” ring over the strap and
sew in place securely before stitching
the rest of the strap down. You
don’t want the ring to pull out if
the cat strains on his leash.
 Sew the doubled sided bias tape
around the edges of the entire
harness. This strengthens it by
preventing it from fraying.
Continued on page 62.

feline wellness

61

Continued from page 60.

 On the left “arms” of the harness straps at
the neck and waist, sew the hooked Velcro
strips (¾”x4” strip for the neck, 1½”x5” for
the midriff).
 Flip the harness over and sew the looped
Velcro strips to the straps that are Velcro-free.
 If you wish, embellish the harness. Place
bows, buttons, lace or rhinestones down
the center strap.
The next step is to get your cat accustomed
to wearing it (see sidebar below). We have
tried many other types of harness, but our
cats love these.

62

feline wellness

CAT CHAT
LOOKING FOR A NEW

friend ?

It’s never easy to decide which cat
to adopt when visiting a shelter.
What’s the best way to make the
right choice for you, your family and
lifestyle? It would help if you knew
something about the personality
and habits of the kitty you’re
looking at.

Ontario SPCA’s Meet Your
Match™ program, originally
developed by the ASPCA,
can help. It evaluates an
animal’s behavior and interests,
and matches them to an adopter’s
preferences.

GET YOUR

game ON!

When choosing their pieces for a game of Monopoly,
it’s unlikely anyone has ever fought over who got the
flat iron. Last year, Hasbro replaced the outmoded
iron with a cat – and the little feline figurine has
subsequently become the most popular Monopoly
token. According to The New York Times, in fact,
the cat is coveted even
more than the Scottie
dog, car or battleship!
Perhaps it’s not surprising,
considering there are
currently more than 85
million cats in American
households.

With Feline-ality™, each adoptable cat is assessed
based on level of interest in play, exploring, “talking,”
and being the center of attention, so that he or she can
be placed into one of the nine color-coded types that
make up program. Visit meetyourmatch.ontariospca.ca
to find your perfect kitty.

A CARDBOARD BOX with a few holes cut in it
makes a GREAT CAT TOY.
HIGH

five FOR FERALS

Five shelters have been chosen as participants in Alley Cat Allies’ grant
program, Future Five: Shelter Partners to Save Cats’ Lives. The program
is designed to encourage animal shelters to move away from killing feral
cats, and help them incorporate and expand humane programs for these
felines, including Trap-Neuter-Return for cats that live outdoors and are
not socialized.
The Future Five program has recognized shelters from across the United
States that have committed to implementing humane approaches for feral
cats. Each of the shelters received an award of $5,000 and expert guidance
and resources from Alley Cat Allies:
The Kanawha/Charleston Humane Association, Charleston, WV
Johnson County Animal Shelter, Franklin, IN
Lee County Domestic Animal Services, Fort Myers, FL
Bay Minette City Shelter, Bay Minette, AL
Stanislaus Animal Services Agency, Modesto, CA
For more information, visit alleycat.org.
feline wellness

63

FELINE TAIL END

WELCOME HOME,

Dennis
By Saralee Perel

How a tiny kitten with a HUGE attitude won our hearts.
Recently, my husband Bob and I were at the Animal Rescue
League, when a gal put a two-pound kitten in my arms. We
instantly fell in love with him, named him Dennis, and took
him home with us.
“He’s so snuggly and quiet,” Bob said.

vocal rendition of fireworks – and I mean the grand finale, when
each rapid-fire explosion can be felt throughout our whole
bodies and we begin to wonder if our insurance companies
cover permanent hearing damage. Each lion-sized roar was
accompanied by Dennis banging the metal door of the crate,
adding the effect of detonating bombs to the cacophony. So
much for the crate.

What a joke. Little did we realize we were in for a big surprise.
Once in our bedroom, we let Dennis out of his carrier. I held
out my arms so he’d nestle in them – but instead, he zoomed
past me and flew up every curtain, bookshelf and tall lamp he
could find. After his first round, he did it again…and again, at
breakneck speeds even a NASCAR driver couldn’t match.

This kitten is no bigger than a sweet potato. But despite his antics,
I have to tell you something – he’s even sweeter than one.
One morning not long ago, when I opened my eyes, I watched
my husband holding Dennis in his arms. Bob didn’t know I
could hear him softly singing:

What is it with animals who put on a demure “please take me
home” act at the shelter, then turn into raucous, whirring flying
saucers once in their new homes? Bob can’t even catch Dennis
and he has won first place trophies in sprint competitions.

I’ll love you till the bluebells forget to bloom.
I’ll love you till the clover has lost its perfume.
I’ll love you till the poets run out of rhyme.
Until the twelfth of never, and that’s a long, long time.

We soon learned that Dennis has also clearly been trained in
electrical engineering. He shuts down computers with one paw.
He turns on printers. He sends faxes.

And then I heard him whisper: “Welcome home, Dennis.”

And do you know what this ball of lightening darts to and then
grabs with his sharp teeth if we’re in bed and I’m not wearing a
top? Well, let me just say I’m sporting two Band-Aids.
Dennis is…well, a menace!
On the day before what we now call “D-Day”, we emptied our
bank account buying every kind of cat toy we could find. But
Dennis nixed the toys and spent hours jumping in and out of the
paper bag they came in.
On “D-Day”, an exhausted Bob finally corralled the kitten into
a huge luxurious crate, at which point Dennis let out a nonstop

BE A SERVICE DOG TRAINER
At Bergin University of Canine Studies in Sonoma County, California, students
can earn degrees in service dog training at undergraduate and graduate levels. The
university recently partnered with explore.org to live stream training sessions.
berginu.edu

TRIPE – IT’S GOOD FOR HIM!
Dr. Harvey’s Oracle Freeze-Dried Complete Raw Food is now available in Tripe. This
“just add water” formula uses tripe as its main protein source and first ingredient. Tripe is
considered a superfood for dogs and is good for allergies and digestive issues.
drharveys.com

FIRST AID APP
The American Red Cross recently launched a Pet First Aid App for iPhone and Android
Smartphones. Offers step-by-step instructions, videos and images for over 25 common first aid
and emergency situations. Learn to treat wounds, control bleeding, and much more.
redcross.org/mobileapps

ODOR
ITS SCIENCE AND ELIMINATION
By John Davidson
If you have an animal companion, odors of one kind
or another will become an issue at some point. It’s
just the nature of the beast, so to speak. The question
is, what’s the best way to eliminate these odors?
First, it’s important to understand what odor is and where
it comes from. It seems simple, but the science of odor is
actually very complex. Once you understand something
about this science, it becomes clear why so many so-called
odor eliminators fail to live up to their names.
Bacterial-based odors are the most prevalent in our
environment and can be the most difficult and frustrating to
eliminate. What your nose identifies as the odor is actually a
very small gas molecule. It’s the natural by-product of bacteria
eating and digesting a food source such as biological refuse
(urine, feces, vomit or spoiled food). So scientifically speaking,
there are three components to odor: refuse, bacteria eating
the refuse, and what you smell as odor, the bacteria’s waste
gas. These bacterial-based odors should not be confused with
fungi odor (mold and mildew).
So now that you know what causes odor, and its components
thereof, what can you do to eliminate it? Cleaning up the mess
might seem like the obvious answer, but it’s impossible to

remove every tiny trace of urine, feces, etc. using conventional
methods. Think about dried cat urine, for example – no matter
how much you scrub, the smell still seems to linger.
You could use air fresheners, candles or aerosols, but this
kind of treatment either masks the odor with fragrances and
perfumes, or attacks the waste gas molecule. Unfortunately,
this only temporarily eliminates the gas produced by the
bacteria. As the bacteria continue eating the traces of refuse
still present, the odor will return rather quickly.
You could use bleach or a similar product, which attempts to
kill the bacteria. This should theoretically eliminate the source
of the odor, but unfortunately, it is impossible to eliminate all
bacteria from the environment. When traces of refuse are still
present, more bacteria will find it, happily eat it, and produce
more waste gas. Consequently, before long, you will again
smell the odor.

SCOE 10X is an odor elimination product that literally
digests and removes the food source for odor-causing
bacteria, all the while being completely non-toxic, unlike
bleach or air fresheners. Removing the bacteria’s food
source not only gets rid of the odor, but also eliminates the
possibility of the odor returning.

John Davidson is President/CEO of BioFog, Inc. He developed SCOE 10X in 2006 after being unable to find an odor eliminator product that
permanently got rid of odors. To learn more, watch his two-minute video “It Works or It’s Free” on the SCOE 10X video channel on YouTube.

ave you ever heard the term “integrated
pest management”
management”? It sounds rather dry and
intimidating, but it’s actually a holistic strategy
for dealing with the threat of insects and
diseases in plants. It operates on the tenet that
healthy plants are rarely targeted by pests, and takes into
account the entire well-being of the plant and everything it
needs for optimal growth – soil, water, light and nutrition.
Any controls required are applied with minimal impact to
the environment.
Of course, dogs aren’t plants. But when it comes to flea and
tick control, we can draw inspiration from the integrated
pest management concept. By taking a fully-rounded
holistic approach that goes far beyond what is offered by
conventional flea prevention medications, you can not only
help keep pest populations down, but also ensure your dog is
so healthy he won’t suffer from the few bites he might get.

7 WAYS TO BOOST HIS IMMUNITY

As with plants (or any other living being, for that matter),
healthy dogs are far less prone to being attacked by insect
pests. Fleas and ticks are much more likely to go after
animals that are sick. By keeping your dog in top notch
condition, you can help make him less attractive to parasites.

By Sheryl Normandeau
A fresh, clean source of water is also extremely important.
Use pure, filtered water, and change it frequently so it stays
fresh. Ensure all food and water dishes are cleaned regularly.
A case may be made for using metal bowls, since they
aren’t porous and are therefore less likely to trap bacteria.
Use phosphate-free soap.
It is essential to give your dog regular exercise and playtime.
Physical and mental stimulation are beneficial to health.
Schedule time with your dog as you would with a child,
and make it fun and meaningful. Ensure toys are washed
regularly in hot, soapy water.
Regular grooming not only contributes to your dog’s overall
health; it’s also a good way to check for signs of fleas or ticks.
A clean, healthy coat and skin are also less likely to harbor
these parasites. Clean grooming tools between uses.
Avoid the use of chemicals in your home and yard. Rethink
everything from toilet bowl cleaners and ant traps to air
fresheners and hairspray. Toxins are everywhere and dogs
can easily collect harmful residues on their coats and paws,
and then ingest them when self-cleaning. Toxins can severely
impact the immune system and contribute to disease.
As always, avoid over-vaccination.

A varied, high quality diet rich in vitamins and minerals and free
of fillers, by-products and additives is crucial. Supplements of
“super greens” such as fresh wheatgrass or barley grass are
good, as are blue-green algae such as spirulina and chlorella.
Fresh veggies contain beneficial enzymes and vitamins, as
well as chlorophyll, an excellent antioxidant. When feeding
fruit and vegetables to your dog, ensure they’re thoroughly
washed to eliminate pesticide residue.
Some holistic veterinarians recommend the use of garlic and
brewer’s yeast to help repel fleas. Dogs also require Omega-3
fatty acids. These have anti-inflammatory properties that
help combat allergies. Use a high quality fish oil.

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PREVENTION – HOUSE AND YARD MAINTENANCE
Indoors: Flea larvae are minuscule and can live in cracks in the
floor, or in the fibers of rugs, blankets or upholstery.
• Regularly wash all soft fabric surfaces in hot water and
phosphate-free soap, and if possible, put them in the drier on
a hot setting.
• Frequently steam-clean rugs, but be careful not to use harsh
cleaning products. Vacuum carpets daily and immediately
dispose of the collected debris in the bag or canister. Don’t
miss the dark spaces beneath couches and beds, where flea
larvae like to hide.

• If at all possible, wall-to-wall carpeting should be replaced
with hard flooring, which can be swept on a daily basis.
Many flooring types can be cleaned and disinfected with a
solution of warm water and vinegar.
Outdoors: Fleas and ticks aren’t the only pests to be found
outdoors. Mosquitoes and other flying, biting or stinging insects
may also cause your dog trouble.
• Fleas and ticks love tall grass, so keep your lawn mowed and
free of leaf litter.
• Beneficial nematodes can help get rid of fleas in your yard.
• Practice integrated pest management on your garden: keep
grass and plants healthy to discourage harmful insects.
• Eliminate sources of standing water to deter mosquitoes.
• Try attracting insect-eating birds and bats to your yard by
creating safe habitations.
• Ants are voracious eaters of flea larvae and shouldn’t be
disturbed outside. If you have problems with them in house,
do not use toxic traps and sprays that could harm your dog.
Research more natural alternatives. For example, ants hate
fresh sliced cucumbers and will move away in a hurry.
• Make sure the house is well sealed, with caulking in window
and door frames and other entry points.
While it’s true you can’t completely eradicate fleas and ticks, you
can go a long way to protecting your dog with this far-reaching
holistic approach. Keep him healthy, strong and active...do what
you can to make your home and yard unfriendly to fleas, ticks
and other pests...and avoid using toxic chemicals to combat
them if they do arise.

WHAT TO DO IF PESTS ATTACK
Despite strict adherence to clean and healthy practices, pest
outbreaks may still occur. Fleas, of course, are the worst offenders.
Repellents and dog shampoos containing essential oils and herbs
such as tea tree, rosemary, lavender, fennel, neem and rose
geranium have proven effective against fleas and ticks.
Manually removing fleas using a flea comb is highly effective,
if time-consuming and laborious. Carefully comb your dog’s
hair backwards, stopping frequently to check the tines for
fleas, and clean the comb in a tub of hot soapy water.
Food grade diatomaceous earth can be sprinkled
indoors and out instead of toxic flea powders or sprays.

Beyond
the label
Trim your cat’s waistline!
BY MICHELE DIXON

Did you know that more than 50% of cats are overweight?
Being obese or overweight can have some serious health
consequences for your kitty, such as diabetes, reduced
activity levels, struvite crystals, poor grooming habits,
depression, and even a decreased lifespan.
A cat that’s at a healthy weight will have a visible waist
behind her ribs. You should be able to feel her ribs, but
not see them, and she should have a minimal “paunch”
in her belly area.
If you are trying to help your kitty trim her waistline, it
is recommended that you feed her a diet that’s higher
in protein and lower in carbohydrates, for a couple of
important reasons:.
1. Protein provides your cat with the same number of

calories as a gram of carbohydrates. The difference is
that digesting protein requires significantly more of your
cat’s energy than digesting carbohydrates.
2. Feeding your cat a diet that is higher in protein helps

make her feel fuller longer, so you’ll need less willpower
to resist those sweet eyes begging for treats!
When choosing a higher protein food for your cat, look for
a product that provides approximately 35% to 45% of its
energy from protein. This has been shown to yield a greater
overall loss of body weight per week, as compared to cats
eating a higher carbohydrate and lower protein diet.

Michele Dixon is the Health and Nutrition Specialist
with Petcurean Pet Nutrition (petcurean.com).

petcurean.com

/petcurean

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69

RESISTANCE

C

A

IBIOTI
T
N

How is it impacting our animals?
By W. Jean Dodds, DVM, and Adam J. Lassin, DVM

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s getting a lot of media attention these days. From news
articles to health websites, the issue of antibiotic resistance
is causing a lot of concern, and rightly so. We mostly hear
about it in connection to human medicine, but the fact
is, our companion animals are also facing problems with
antimicrobial resistance.

MANUKA HONEY
HAS SHOWN GREAT
PROMISE IN TREATING
ANTIBIOTIC-RESISTANT
INFECTIONS, INCLUDING
MRSA AND MRSP.

WHY IS THIS HAPPENING?
Antibiotics and similar antimicrobial agents have been used
successfully for decades to treat human and animal patients for
infectious diseases. However, these drugs have been used so
widely and for so long that the organisms they are designed
to inhibit or kill have adapted to them, making the drugs less
effective. In short, in both human and veterinary medicine, the
major cause of emerging resistant bacteria is the misuse and
overuse of antibiotics. Other practices contributing towards
resistance include antibiotic use in livestock feed (more on
this later). Household use of antibacterials in soaps and other
products is also a culprit.
Infectious organisms that develop resistant strains can be
classified as bacteria (e.g. methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus
aureus (MRSA) and pseudointermedius (MRSP)), viruses like
canine influenza, fungi and parasites.
Resistant infections most often afflict animals with weakened
immune systems, and those with chronic debilitating diseases,
cancer, or malnutrition. Resistant infections can also arise due to

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chronic (long term) use, inappropriate dosing or inappropriate
selection of antibiotics.
Those infected with antimicrobial-resistant organisms are
more likely to require longer and more costly therapy, and may
even die as a result of the infection.

THE DEVELOPMENT OF “SUPERBUGS”
Antimicrobial resistance to one or more drugs is being seen in
a growing number of disease-causing organisms (pathogens).
Pathogens resistant to multiple antibiotics are considered
multi-drug resistant (MDR) or “superbugs”. Exposure to an
antibiotic naturally selects for the survival of those microbial
organisms that have developed the genes for resistance. This
occurs by spontaneous or induced genetic mutation, or by
horizontal gene transfer from other bacterial species. Thus, a
gene for antibiotic resistance may readily spread through an
ecosystem of bacteria.

GREATER NEED FOR ALTERNATIVE TREATMENTS
As resistance towards antibiotics becomes more common,
so does the need for new antibiotics. However, there has
been a continuing decline in the number of newly approved
drugs. Since 2008, only two new antibacterial drugs have been
approved for human use. The cost of development, strict FDA

testing guidelines, and profit margins are all reasons companies
are abandoning the search for new medications. Antibiotic
resistance therefore poses a significant clinical threat – and that
means there’s a greater need for alternative treatments.

A HEALTHY DIET IS PARAMOUNT
Eating a healthy diet equates to being healthier. This philosophy
is no different for our four-legged friends. Providing a highquality balanced diet is the most important preventative tool.
The use of appropriate supplements is also key when treating
animals with underlying diseases.
Continued on page 72.

GET THE RIGHT DIAGNOSIS

When people are feeling sick, they go to the doctor and assume
they will walk out with a prescription for an antibiotic to help treat
their ailment, even if it’s caused by a virus. Will the antibiotic treat
the primary viral cause? Not at all. The immune system will help fight
off the virus, so why the antibiotic? It’s most likely a combination of
consumer-driven medicine and a lack of diagnostics.
Veterinarians face similar problems. For example, Fluffy is
presented to a veterinarian for the first time, with a skin infection.
Before prescribing an antibiotic, the veterinarian should figure out
the primary cause of the infection, whether it be trauma, immunemediated disease, environmental allergy, food intolerance, cancer,
or a viral, bacterial, fungal or parasitic infection.

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71

Continued from page 71.
When choosing a diet for your animal, keep in mind that antibiotic
drugs are also used in animals intended for consumption, such
as cattle, sheep, pigs, poultry and fish. The World Health
Organization (WHO) has concluded that inappropriate use of
antibiotics in animal husbandry is an underlying contributor to
the emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance in animals, and
that the use of antibiotics as growth promoters in animal feeds
should be prohibited. However, the regulation of antibiotic use
in food animals has been limited to reducing drug residues in
meat, egg and milk products, rather than addressing concerns
over the development of antibiotic resistance.
On April 11, 2012, the FDA announced a voluntary program
to phase out unsupervised use of drugs as feed additives, and
convert approved over-the-counter uses for antibiotics to
prescription use only, requiring veterinarian supervision. In
December of last year, the FDA announced the commencement
of steps to phase out the use of antibiotics for promoting
livestock growth.
In the meantime, look for a pet food made from meats that are
as cleanly raised as possible. Some premium pet food companies
now offer products made from antibiotic-free meats.

SUPPLEMENTS FOR STRONG IMMUNITY
Many supplements and alternative therapies can help
promote a healthy immune system, treat resistant infections
and prevent disease.

• Manuka honey has shown great promise in treating antibioticresistant infections, including MRSA and MRSP. Hydrogen
peroxide is one of the main antibacterial components of all
honey, and some honey also contains methylglyoxal (MG).
Manuka honey has very high levels of MG – it’s labeled as
the Unique Manuka Factor (UMF). Manuka honey is used by
placing a thin layer over the area of concern; this should be
done under the supervision of a veterinarian.

• Green or black tea poultice works
amazingly well for small areas
of localized skin irritation,
crustiness or infection.
Before using antibiotics,
select either green or
black tea, depending
upon the animal’s
coat color. Make
the tea, let it cool,
use a wet nondripping tea bag
as a poultice for

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animal wellness

t he affected area, and leave on for five to seven minutes. The
tannins and polyphenols in tea are antimicrobial, antioxidant
and anti-inflammatory.

• Murphy’s Oil soap is a very effective, simple vegetable oil
cleaner from the grocery store. It helps soothe and remove
the itchiness from dry flaky skin and can prevent the problem
from progressing to a secondary skin infection. Wet the
affected area, apply a thin strip of undiluted Murphy’s Oil,
gently massage into the skin with your fingers as it lathers,
leave on for five to ten minutes and gently rinse off. Repeat
as often as needed to soothe skin and relieve scratching.

• Probiotics include various strains of Enterococcus, Bacillus,
Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus. These bacteria help support
natural gut flora, leading to a healthy intestinal tract. This in
turn will increase absorption of key minerals and vitamins.
Probiotics have been shown to enhance the immune system,
decrease cancer-stimulating enzymes and clinical signs
secondary to allergies, resolve chronic UTI, and help with
chronic intestinal issues.
•M
ultivitamins and immune-boosting supplements include
sterolins and sterols from fruits and vegetables (e.g.
ModuCare by Thorne Veterinary) and Chinese herbal
therapy, a safe alternative treatment that has been shown to
boost the immune system and decrease allergic responses.
Antibiotic resistance is a serious and worrying problem, but
you can do a lot to protect your companion by keeping his
immune system strong and avoiding the overuse of antibiotics
if and when he does get sick.
EDITOR’S NOTE

CONSIDER OIL OF OREGANO

Another way to boost your dog’s immune system and treat
infection is with oil of oregano. It has anti-inflammatory and
antioxidant properties that strengthen immunity and help prevent
and treat bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic infections.
Scientists at the University of the West of England in Bristol
demonstrated that oil of oregano can even defend against
tough bacteria like MRSA – their research found it was better at
eliminating microbes than many pharmaceutical drugs.
Companies such as OregaPet (oregapet.com) offer a range of
natural first aid and oral hygiene products for dogs.

Repelling Insects,

naturally
By Ann Brightman

You don’t want your furry friend harassed by fleas,
mosquitoes and other biting insects, but neither do you
want repellents that are full of harmful chemicals. That
was Linda Warkentin’s stance when her horse, who
was allergic to flies, also got cancer. She wanted a way
to keep the flies away from him without subjecting him
to pesticides. So she made her own fly spray from herbs
she grew in her backyard.

That was more than ten years ago, and since then, Linda (pictured at left) has
received a lot of requests for her product. “My friends kept asking for it,” she says.
So in 2012, Linda launched It Works Green, expanding her offerings to include a
repellent for dogs as well. “My dog is highly allergic to fleas and ticks, so I made the
product safe for canines so he wouldn’t need steroid shots.”
It Works Green for Dogs is an all-natural repellent for crawling and flying insects
that includes lemon grass, citronella and clove oils. “It contains castor oil to help the
spray stick,” says Linda. She adds that the product does more than repel insects: “It
also kills bacteria, mold and fungi.” The repellent can be used directly on dogs (but
not cats), as well as on all washable surfaces around the home, including bedding,
car seats, and even some flooring, and outdoors on grass and in gardens. “I have
a puppy and use it as a cleaner on my tile (not wood) floors for accidents – and
the smell is gone too.” Linda continues that more products are in the works. “I am
testing a moisturizer to put a barrier between us and bed bugs, ticks, fleas and flying
insects, along with a shampoo for animals. I love thinking outside the box, doing
research and developing new things, all with the mission of delivering safe, nontoxic products.” Linda proudly adds that It Works Green is currently being reviewed
by the Organic Materials Review Institute, and is confident she will soon be able to
say that her products are OMRI approved.
A portion of every sale of It Works Green products goes to Modjeska Ranch Rescue,
a non-profit rescue in Orange County, California devoted to finding homes for
abandoned and neglected animals. Linda’s compassion extends to children too.
Linda’s Free Library is a non-profit that aims to promote the joy of reading to
youngsters. “It has a great program where children write for other children,” she
says. “Our goal is to reach organizations and schools around the world.”
Linda says she and her company look forward to a world that’s free of pesticide use.
“I absolutely love sharing a product that works without pesticides,” she says. “When
I started, it was a lonely road, but it’s a road that has grown wider as more people
gain knowledge and want a green and safe life.”
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73

PRODUCT PICKS
Seal in the odor

Arm & Hammer™ Clump & Seal™ litter is the biggest
advancement in cat litter history. No other litter forms
a tight seal around odor and destroys it with unique
odor eliminators and Arm & Hammer™ Baking Soda.
Try Arm & Hammer™ Clump & Seal™ for a sevenday odor-free home – guaranteed. Available in Fresh
Home and Multi-Cat.
$10.99
ClumpandSeal.com

One potato, two potato

Your dog will deﬁnitely want more than one of these.
Crumps’ Naturals has added new treats to its line of
Sweet Potato Strips. Healthy, natural and delicious,
they’re made with just three simple ingredients
– sweet potato, citrus ﬁber, and your choice of
oatmeal, cranberry or cinnamon. They’re satisfyingly
chewy and dogs love the ﬂavor. No additives,
preservatives or artiﬁcial colors.
$8.49 per package
Crumps.ca

Bring heartworm to a halt

Fresh food

made easy

Feeding a raw diet doesn’t
have to mean a lot of work.
Sojos Beef Complete is a
wholesome grain- and glutenfree dog food mix that you
simply combine with water
to create fresh, homemade
meals. Made with USDA freeze-dried raw beef and
all-natural ingredients, each mix is free of GMOs,
ﬁllers, preservatives and artiﬁcial colors. Prepared and
packaged in the US.
2 lb bag: $25.20
8 lb bag: $89.95
Sojos.com

74

animal wellness

It’s a deadly disease and treatment can be difﬁcult
and costly. Effective Pet Wellness offers a natural way
to successfully eliminate heartworms. The Heartworm
Kit contains two products – Clearacell to break open
infected cells and expose the worms, and Pet Clear
to eliminate the worms. Completely
breaks all life cycles of the heartworm,
and is non-toxic and chemical-free.
1 kit: $100
EffectivePetWellness.com

Knock out odor

If you have animal companions, then you know
they can sometimes cause odor. Nok Out Odor
Eliminator gets to the root of the problem, and is nontoxic and biodegradable. Can be used on ﬂoors,
carpets, upholstery and bedding, as well as directly
on your dog. Nok Out Pet Shampoo,
meanwhile, works quickly and safely
to remove offensive smells, including
residual skunk odor.
Odor Eliminator: 236 ml to 3.8 L
– $10 to $80
Shampoo: 236ml to 2 L
– $10 to $80
NokOut.ca

Probiotics versus plaque

Plaque buildup can lead to painful dental disease
and that’s no fun for your dog. Kissable Probiotic
Anti-Plaque Spray from Ecowelldog keeps his mouth
balanced and healthy by reducing the
plaque-causing bacteria that cause
gum disease, bad breath and infections.
It contains 12 strains of probiotics to
replenish the good bacteria in his mouth
and kill off the bad bacteria.
4 oz bottle: $21
KissableDog.com

By Sherman O. Canapp Jr., DVM, MS, CCRT, and Lisa M. Fair, VT, CCRA, CMT
If your dog has osteoarthritis, he has lots of company. It’s the
most common joint disease in canines. One in every five dogs
older than a year is affected, and by the time a dog is ten or
older, that incidence has increased to one in two.
Managing osteoarthritis (OA) often involves the palliative
treatment of well-established disease using just a few therapies.
But early intervention (see sidebar on page 78), coupled with a
multimodal treatment regime, could do a lot more to reduce the
effects of this prevalent disease.

Diet and supplements
Nutrition plays a role in developmental skeletal disease. An excess
of specific nutrients can exacerbate musculoskeletal disorders, and
fast-growing, large breed puppies are at particular risk. For these
dogs, controlled growth, optimum levels of calcium, phosphorus and
essential fatty acids, and specific nutrients to enhance development
are all essential to reduce the risk of developmental skeletal disease. In
all dogs, providing proper nutrition during growth, and maintaining
a healthy weight through life, can help minimize OA.
Diets that include or are supplemented with these nutrients
may reduce inflammation, slow degradation, enhance cartilage
repair and provide relief from discomfort:

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animal wellness

• EPA and DHA, two components of Omega-3 fatty acids,
reduce inflammation and reduce pain associated
with OA. EPA suppresses the enzymes
associated with cartilage destruction.
• Glucosamine is a precursor for
glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), a primary
component of joint cartilage. It may influence
cartilage structure and restore synovial fluid. GAGs may aid
in the prevention of OA.
• Chondrotin sulfate is an important structural component
of cartilage and helps it resist compression. It may reduce
inflammation, stimulate synthesis of proteoglycans and
hyaluronic acid, and decrease catabolic activity.
• ASUs (avocado/soybean unsaponifiables) help protect
cartilage from degradation. Studies have shown a synergy
when glucosamine hydrochloride, chondrotin sulfate and
AUS are combined. They help inhibit the expression of agents
involved in cartilage breakdown.
• MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) may have anti-inflammatory
effects. Research suggests there may be increased benefits
when MSM is combined with glucosamine and chondrotin.
• SAM-e (S-Adenosyl methionine) can reduce discomfort
associated with OA. Some studies even found it to be as
effective for relieving pain as NSAIDs.

Most dogs with OA have some
inflexibility due to shortened
muscles and joint restriction.
• Vitamin E is an antioxidant. Oxidative damage caused by free
radicals can contribute to degenerative joint disease. Vitamin E
inhibits oxidation, but the levels must be higher than minimal
requirements to achieve these benefits.
• Vitamin C is well known for its antioxidant activity. Although
dogs can synthesize enough to meet minimal requirements,
supplementation may improve antioxidant performance. It is
important to note that vitamin C supplementation can contribute
to calcium oxalate crystal formation in susceptible dogs.
• DLPA (DL-phenylalanine) is a natural amino acid used to treat
chronic pain. It inhibits several enzymes responsible for the
destruction of endorphins, pain-killing hormones. DLPA can
be used as an alternative to NSAIDs.
• Traumeel is a homeopathic formulation of 12 botanical
substances and one mineral substance. It is purported to
have anti-inflammatory, anti-edematous and anti-exudative
properties. Traumeel is often used as an alternative to NSAIDs.
• GLM (green-lipped mussel) contains anti-inflammatory
components that may benefit joint health. Clinical studies
of GLM powder added to diets showed it to be effective in
reducing symptoms.
• Several herbs have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties,
including boswellia, yucca root, turmeric, hawthorn, nettle
leaf, licorice, meadowsweet and willow bark. Consult with a
veterinarian experienced in using herbs.
• Hyaluronic acid (HA) has been shown to slow the progression
of osteoarthritis and decrease inflammation within the joint.
Specifically, it increases joint fluid viscosity, increases cartilage
(GAG) formation, and decreases degrading enzymes and
cytokines. Over 70% of dogs have been reported to respond
well to HA and improvement can be noted for over six months
following administration. My clinical impression is that HA
used alone is useful for synovitis and mild to moderate OA.

Weight management and exercise
Obesity is a known risk factor for OA. Dogs with excess weight
should be placed on a diet management program, which may
include food and treat restriction, a change of diet, exercise and
behavior modification. Weight management alone may result in
significant clinical improvement.
Light to moderate low impact exercise is recommended to reduce
stiffness and maintain joint mobility. Specific exercise requirements
animal wellness

77

vary based on the individual dog, but short walks (15 to 20
minutes) two to three times daily are typically recommended.
Swimming is an excellent low impact activity that can improve
muscle mass and joint range of motion. Consistency is critical –
exercise should be performed on a routine basis. Excessive and/
or high impact exercise should be avoided.

Acupuncture and chiropractic
Dogs have approximately 360 acupuncture points throughout
their bodies. Response varies, with some dogs showing
significant improvements in discomfort and mobility. Some
experience no obvious benefits and a few do not tolerate
needling. Consulting a veterinarian trained in TCVM provides
the best chance of successful treatment. TCVM can help with
weight management as well as joint issues.
Chiropractic can improve comfort and mobility in dogs with
OA. These dogs often develop improper spinal biomechanics
secondary to gait changes. Adjustments can restore proper
bony relationships and re-set receptors responsible for
maintaining correct posture, balance and mobility.

Rehabilitation therapy
This may be used in conjunction with other therapies. In
some cases of mild to moderate OA, it may actually eliminate
the need for additional medical therapies. The goals of

Catch it early
Early intervention offers the best prognosis
for minimizing OA. This includes screening for
developmental orthopedic diseases, especially
in breeds with known risk, as well as a thorough
investigation of seemingly indistinct clinical
signs in young dogs. Too often, people dismiss
complaints such as slow movement, clumsy gait,
low playfulness, laziness, and even intermittent
lameness as “growing pains”, when in reality they
are often early signs of underlying joint disease.
If your dog shows these signs, regardless of how
young he is, discuss them with your vet and ask
for an evaluation.
Early intervention is also imperative for traumatic
injuries, including those that leave joints unstable.
Although these injuries can occur acutely, joint
instability can also result from repetitive activities;
these types of injuries are common in sporting
and working dogs. Early and appropriate
management of these injuries can greatly reduce
the development and advancement of OA.

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animal wellness

rehabilitation therapy for dogs with OA include pain relief,
maintaining or building muscle strength, flexibility, and joint
range of motion, core strengthening and overall conditioning.
• Cold therapy causes vasoconstriction to reduce
inflammation, muscle spasms and pain. It benefits dogs with
acute exacerbation of chronic OA.
• Heat therapy causes vasodilation. It reduces muscle tension
and spasm, improves flexibility of joint capsules and
surrounding tendons and ligaments, and provides pain relief.
• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) reduces
pain. It stimulates large cutaneous nerve fibers that transmit
sensory impulses faster than pain fibers. TENS also increases
the release of endorphins, which block pain perception.
• Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) involves
the stimulation of muscle fibers for strengthening. Dogs
with OA typically lose muscle mass due to weakness and
disuse. NMES may help minimize atrophy, and provide
proprioceptive, kinesthetic and sensory input directly to the
muscle as well as give pain relief.
• Therapeutic ultrasound (TUS) uses sound energy to affect
biological tissues. It provides deep heating of tissues and can
increase blood flow, collagen extensibility, metabolic rate
and pain thresholds. It can also decrease muscle spasm.
• Low level laser therapy (LLLT) may have positive effects on
injured cartilage and may also reduce pain.
• Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) uses sound waves
characterized by a rapid and steep rise in pressure followed by a
period of negative pressure. Mechanical and chemical effects on
a cellular level may stimulate healing and modulate pain signals.
• Manual modalities
- Stretching – Most dogs with OA have some inflexibility due
to shortened muscles and joint restriction. Performing gentle
passive range of motion therapy and stretching can increase
overall range of motion. Heat therapy applied prior to these
therapies enables collagen fibers to be maximally stretched.
- Joint mobilization – May help improve joint range of
motion and decrease pain in dogs with mild to moderate
OA. It involves low-velocity movements within or at the
limit of the dog’s range of motion.
- Massage – Decreases myofascial pain, adhesion formation and
muscle tension, and increases vascular and lymphatic circulation.
Can help reduce edema, improve blood flow, decrease muscle
stiffness and improve muscle flexibility and joint mobility.
• Therapeutic exercises can be of significant benefit. Most
dogs with OA have moderate to severe muscle atrophy and
loss of motion within affected joints. Therapeutic exercises
maintain and rebuild muscle mass, strengthen muscle force,
maintain and improve joint range of motion and overall
function and conditioning.

â&#x20AC;˘ Hydrotherapy includes underwater treadmill and swim therapy.
It encourages range of motion, and improves muscle tone and
mass with reduced stress to joints and tissues. Hydrotherapy can
help relieve pain, swelling and stiffness, improve muscle mass
and tone, increase joint range of motion, and improve circulation.

Regenerative medicine therapy
a) Stem cell therapy
Published literature supports the use of stem cell therapy (SCT) to
treat OA in dogs. Most veterinary research has focused on adult
stem cells, specifically mesenchymal stem cells. MSCs decrease proinflammatory and increase anti-inflammatory mediators.
b) Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
The concentrated platelets found in PRP contain bioactive proteins
and growth factors. These work by binding to cell surface receptors
and activating intra-cellular signaling cascades. They promote cell
proliferation, cell migration and differentiation, and work as antiinflammatory factors counteracting the inflammatory cytokines at
work in OA.
SCT and PRP are often administered together.

Assistive devices
These provide assistance with mobility. Booties can provide
traction for slippery surfaces. Orthotics provide support to joints
and can improve comfort. Slings and harnesses can be used to
assist dogs when rising, walking, climbing stairs and during
elimination. Carts provide independent mobility for dogs that
have difficulty walking.

Conventional medications â&#x20AC;&#x201C;
NSAIDs and corticosteroids
NSAIDs have been the conventional foundation for treating symptoms
of OA. They have anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic
properties. However, serious adverse effects can occur, especially with
chronic use. These most commonly include gastrointestinal, renal,
hepatic and coagulation disorders. The goal is to use the minimal
effective dose when other treatments are not successful.
In the treatment of severe OA, an intra-articular corticosteroid
may be beneficial.
It can provide pain relief for end-stage osteoarthritis. Response to
treatment is typically seen within a week and benefits may last a
year or more.
Once established, canine osteoarthritis is incurable. But if joint
problems are diagnosed early on, and managed with a range of
integrative therapies, you can help stave off the debilitating effects
of OA, and that means greater longevity and quality of life.
animal wellness

79

WARM & FUZZY
As a pup,
Chocolate
Boy was full
of mischief
and energy.

By Cheryl Wirth

GETTING A DOG WAS NOT AN OPTION. I’d never had a dog,
even when I was growing up. I wanted my life to be as simple as
possible, and a dog didn’t fit into that. All the work and training
involved was a scary thought to me, and I just wasn’t willing to do it.
Don’t get me wrong…I was not a dog hater. But I always preferred
dogs when they belonged to someone else. Little did I know how
things would change when Chocolate Boy came into my life.
He was an adoption from a local pet hospital – a timid little threemonth-old chocolate Lab puppy. When we first met him, he was
undergoing treatment for strangles, and in a few weeks he’d be
well enough to go to a forever home. He was a sickly-looking
little guy, even though he was on the mend.

Up for the challenge

So I found myself reading a lot of Lab-related literature. I learned
that Labs are smart, strong dogs that make wonderful family
companions. On the other hand, they also need plenty of exercise,
a consistent routine, and a whole lot of attention. Let’s also add
that Labs are avid chewers, which we quickly found out for
ourselves. How I wished I had done my research earlier!

I was growing frustrated by his antics, but
his gentle eyes, constant wiggle, wagging
tail and kind heart kept me in check.

His sad brown eyes could melt your heart. When my daughter
saw him, it was pretty much a done deal. After great hesitation, I
caved. Why not, I thought. How hard could it really be?

During the first fall we had him, we enjoyed watching Chocolate
Boy jumping around wildly in piles of leaves. I guess that’s when I
knew I was hooked. I was becoming a “dog person”. My daughter
said she saw it in my eyes…it was like the loving look a mother
gives her child.

Second thoughts

First year milestones

We took the little Lab home a couple of weeks later. But we
weren’t prepared for raising a puppy and soon started having
doubts. Chocolate Boy was unruly and mischievous, and became
a real handful. But we had chosen to have him in our home; he
didn’t choose us. We knew that if we decided against keeping
him, the poor little guy would end up in a shelter for who knew
how long, and…well…he’d been through enough already.

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As a pup, Chocolate Boy was a powerful little guy and full of
mischief. I’ll never forget the time we were playing a game of
fetch and he came charging back at me like a bull. I should have
moved but didn’t; I just stood there smiling, and then wham! I
often wonder if the neighbors saw me get knocked over. Other
first year milestones included chewing a pair of jeans and stealing
toast off the breakfast table.

He has a great personality, and is comical,
loving, loyal, and mostly obedient.
And so came the toys – good durable dog toys, and lots of them.
I must admit I was growing frustrated by his antics, but his gentle
eyes, constant wiggle, wagging tail and kind heart kept me in check.
Our Chocolate Boy loved us, and I figured he was worth the extra
effort. And he was gracious enough to never chew the furniture.
When he was a year old, we enrolled our now very handsome boy
in some basic puppy training. He passed the short course with flying
colors and was a real charmer; he even knew where the trainer kept
her treats and made no bones about asking for them. He soon became
the envy of the class – and the class clown. Too bad he shredded his
graduation certificate a week later, but fortunately we were issued a
new one.

Part of the family

Now weighing in at 80 pounds, Chocolate Boy recently celebrated
his fourth birthday. He has a great personality, and is comical, loving,
loyal, and mostly obedient. Our family and friends love him and he’s
a joy to have around. He is good for our souls, and puts a smile on
our faces.
Yes, I learned that if you’re not willing to be patient and consistent,
and to train, walk, play with and include your dog in your everyday
life (and pick up his poop), then don’t get one. But with some trial
and error, and lots of love, I realized that the benefits you receive in
return are huge. We just had to take it slow and not expect perfection.
I’m so glad now that I didn’t change my mind about adopting
Chocolate Boy when he was a puppy. This is, and always will be,
his forever home.

Now a happy,
healthy adult,
Chocolate Boy
knows he’s
well loved.

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ONLINE CLASSES AND CONSULTATIONS OFFER A LOT OF ADVANTAGES, BUT THEY
CAN ONLY DO SO MUCH, AND SHOULDN’T REPLACE IN-PERSON TRAINING SESSIONS.

Virtual
Training

PROS

and

CONS
By Claudia Bensimoun

M

elinda adopted Reepo from a
rescue

group.

German

The

energetic

shepherd/blue

heeler

mix was high energy, demanding,
playful and sometimes fearful.

He struggled with behavioral issues and panicked every
time the doorbell rang. At her wit’s end, Melinda enrolled
Reepo in positive training classes, which helped ease his
anxiety and build his confidence.
Then a friend suggested she combine both virtual and in-person
training. Melinda was intrigued, and willing to try everything
to help Reepo calm down and learn good manners. So she got
online and started researching the world of virtual dog training.

WHAT IS VIRTUAL TRAINING?
Thanks to the Internet, people are able to learn almost anything
they want from the comfort of their own homes. Many colleges
and universities offer distance education in the form of online
courses, in which you take part in virtual lectures and email
your assignments to your teacher.

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animal wellness

Similar educational opportunities are available to dog parents,
and one of the most popular is virtual training. Virtual training
websites offer interactive online training classes and learning
activities for their students. You may also connect to trainers
via Skype or phone conference calls, ask questions, and have
discussions with other students. One of the main benefits,
besides the convenience, is that it gives you access to help
with immediate problems until you are able to register with
an in-person trainer.

WHAT IT CAN AND CAN’T DO
Virtual training is useful for dog parents who want to brush
up on their dogs’ basic obedience, reinforce fundamental
training lessons, get quick answers to questions, or
supplement existing in-person training lessons. It’s helpful
during transition periods such as when you’ve just adopted a
rescue, or have moved to a new home and are trying to find
a certified trainer in your area.
However, virtual training has its limitations, and should not
be used as a replacement for in-person training, especially in
cases where the dog has behavioral problems.

“Virtual training can be a tricky proposition,” says renowned trainer
Victoria Stilwell. “In certain cases with certain dogs, while trying to
address very particular lessons or issues, it can be an effective tool,
but it can also quickly morph into a problem scenario. For example,
often a client will hire a dog trainer to ‘fix’ a given issue, only to find
out from the trainer that there are far different (and sometimes more
complicated) issues at play than the person was previously aware of.
Virtual training generally doesn’t allow for the flexibility to address
those types of issues.
“It also makes the dangerous assumption that the dog owner and
‘virtual teacher’ are on the same page in terms of what they’re trying
to address and how the dog responds to the training,” Victoria
continues. “All too often, positive dog trainers see clients who miss
important signals in their dogs, and virtual training creates a situation
where there’s not a qualified dog behavior expert on hand to oversee
the training process. Virtual training can only be considered for the
most basic cues and language-building dog training – not any kind
of behavioral issue.”

CONFERENCES AND CONSULTATIONS
Along with online classes, virtual training can also encompass
video conferences or consultations. “At my website (positively.com/
dog-training/phone-consultation), we connect licensed dog trainers via
phone or Skype with clients for remote consultations,” says Victoria.
“We see it as an opportunity to get the right information into the
hands and minds of those who need it most, and point them towards
the right type of qualified positive trainer for actual sessions.”
Because a conference or consultation is more one-on-one than an
online class, it offers some additional benefits. “Most ‘virtual training’
sites seem to be focused on a static program that is mostly a one-way
conversation, whereas the flexibility of a video consult obviously
allows for the trainer and owner to interact directly and in real time.”
A video consultation can be what you want it to be, or more
importantly, what the trainer thinks would be most beneficial to
you and your dog. It can include advice, ideas on how to solve
issues, as well as training tips and information. Generally speaking,
a conference or consult is more advice-based than step-by-step
training. During a video conference, expert trainers are able to assist
with puppy issues, shelter dog rehabilitation, some behavior issues,
and many other dog-related questions.

VIRTUAL TRAINING IS USEFUL FOR DOG
PARENTS WHO WANT TO BRUSH UP ON THEIR
DOGS’ BASIC OBEDIENCE….
By employing video conferencing, you have easier access to
trainers, and therefore a wider support system, whether you’re a
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83

CONSULTATIONS CAN
BENEFIT RESCUE DOGS

For someone like Melinda, who has adopted a
rescue and is finding him more of a handful than
expected, video consults can help prevent the
dog from being returned to the shelter. “They can
provide valuable information, and a foundation
that can be built on to ensure the dog stays in
the home, rather than be returned,” says Victoria.
“Part of the reason we offer video consults to
the public is to ensure that the first batch of
information that is put in front of someone looking
for help is the right information. A phone or Skype
consult can help ensure you’ll start off
on the right track from day one.”

new puppy parent or a shelter dog adopter.
This is especially important during the
initial transition period when both you and
the dog are getting used to a new dynamic
(see sidebar above). In fact, video (or phone)
consults can be invaluable starter tools.
“Consults allow people to gain access to the
most up-to-date information from a qualified
professional, and provide a great introduction
to what they might expect from the teaching
process,” explains Victoria. “Also, in the
event there isn’t a positive trainer in your
area, having the opportunity to talk one-onone about your issues or particular situation
can be an invaluable ‘direction-pointer’ to
make sure you know what to look for in a
local trainer, and what pitfalls to avoid when
finding professional help.”
As with virtual training classes, video
consults and conferences shouldn’t take the
place of hands-on training. “Video consults
are much better as a continuing backup
and refresher, rather than for starting
the actual training process or for
behavioral issues,” says Victoria.
“They are a better tool for
continuing training if the
trainer has been working
with the client in

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animal wellness

person for awhile. However, there is no
substitute for having a trainer do an inhome visit where she can physically work
with the dog and identify factors in the
environment that might affect behavior.
That is impossible to do via a video or
phone consultation.”

“MOST ‘VIRTUAL TRAINING’
SITES SEEM TO BE FOCUSED
ON A STATIC PROGRAM
THAT IS MOSTLY A ONE-WAY
CONVERSATION, WHEREAS
THE FLEXIBILITY OF A VIDEO
CONSULT OBVIOUSLY ALLOWS
FOR THE TRAINER AND
OWNER TO INTERACT DIRECTLY
AND IN REAL TIME.”
Americans spend an average of 32 hours a
month online. By investing some of those
hours in taking an online training course,
consulting with a trainer, asking for advice
and/or viewing videos, you can help get a
new dog on the right track, and refresh an
existing dog’s training and obedience – just
as long as you don’t also sacrifice time spent
in person with a certified positive trainer.

IT’S ALL

IN THE
By Ann Brightman

A supplement is only as good as what it’s made of. For this company,
a superior knowledge of ingredients, together with a commitment to
quality, means effective, natural products that work.

Oscar credits Zizu, his seven-anda-half-year-old Weimaraner, for
inspiring the development
of PureLife 4Pets.

When Oscar Tenorio moved to southern Florida in 2009
with his dog, Zizu, the young Weimaraner started itching
and scratching. “I think the humidity and hot weather gave
him skin irritations,” says Oscar. At the time, Oscar had just
started working with Vetimed Inc., a family-owned company
that traded human supplement ingredients between the US,
Latin America and Europe.

launched. “It works naturally with the body to help maintain
a healthy weight, with no side effects,” says Oscar. “We have
our roots in the ingredients industry and that is reflected in
how we formulate our products. Dealing with raw materials
for over a decade has given us a lot of knowledge about the
industry and how to put ingredients together to get the most
benefit from them.

“After consulting with a vet, I started giving Zizu a concentrated
Omega-3 we had,” Oscar explains. It worked well (Zizu has had
no skin issues since), inspiring Oscar to start creating products
for dogs and cats. “These ingredients were only for humans,
but we knew we had the chance to improve animals’ quality
of life in a significant way. We spent about three-and-a-half
years researching ingredients and their sources, and designing
the best combinations. We launched four products for animals
in 2012, including one called Omega-3 Support, which uses the
same concentrated ingredient I gave Zizu.” Soon, PureLife 4Pets
was launched as a brand of Vetimed.

“For us, knowledge is key and passing on that knowledge is
our responsibility,” Oscar adds. “We publish pet health-related
tips every week and a newsletter every month that talks about
everything from allergies to dangerous foods. We are a go-to
Facebook site for pet care tips. We also pass our knowledge to
our retailers so they too can provide good quality advice to dog
and cats parents. We work with rescue centers, trainers and
others to raise animal health awareness.”

Along with the Omega-3 product for skin, coat and
cardiovascular health, the company offers an antioxidant for
dogs and cats, as well as supplements for joint mobility and
immune support, all made from quality natural ingredients. As
well, a new supplement for weight management has just been

PureLife 4Pets’ mission is about making families happier by
helping ensure their dogs and cats stay healthy and enjoy a
good quality of life. “To see a dog or cat recover or improve
his health is priceless,” says Oscar. “For example, we have a
customer with an 11-year-old dog that had two hip surgeries
and was barely walking. After two weeks of being on our joint
mobility supplement, he was jumping in the pool, running and
playing tug-of-war again. That’s what I enjoy the most.”

animal wellness

85

PASSAGES

By David Gillespie

When

you visit a shelter, you get a variety of responses
from the dogs. Most will get as close to you as possible, some
rubbing right against the bars, some standing and reaching out
with their front paws, most barking with enthusiasm. Some
woof in fear, a few even slip away to the outside of their kennels.
But few act the way Sweetie did. When I first saw the being
who would become one of my best friends and companions,
she was lying curled up in the corner of her cage.
Dogs often seem to come with names, but no moniker would
stick to this Corgi-shepherd mix. We called her Sweetie because
she was so loving and enthusiastic (once she was out of the
shelter), but it seemed more like a nickname. We tried many
other names â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Otter because she flowed off couches and
benches so gracefully, and Simba because her fur was tawny,
her paws big, and she grunted like a lion when we looked into
her face and spoke to her. We considered Happy because her
floppy ears bounced up and down when she ran, her mouth
opening in a wide grin, and even Harpo because she liked to
carry a squeaky toy in her mouth and make it honk. But only
Sweetie fit, augmented through the years by a few extra letters
(Sweetness) or words (Sweet Girl).

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animal wellness

Always by my side
With Sweetie, I only needed a leash as a safeguard against traffic
because she would never stray far from my side. Whenever
a little distance crept between us, she would look up and run
back to me. I never had to train her. She would just come when
I called, and whenever I said her name, she would look at me
with great intensity, even though most of the time I was just
saying hello. My wife joked that Sweetie would never allow
death to take her from my side.

Drifting away
But despite Sweetieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s love for me, death started to approach in
her thirteenth year in the form of dementia. She began straying
further away from me during walks, and stopped answering
my calls. We thought she was just losing her hearing, maybe
her eyesight, but as she got older she began walking in circles,
especially in the house, and hooting in anxiety.
She also began to limp, and despite vitamins, glucosamine shots
and medications for pain and anxiety, she seemed to drift away,
leaving a broken old dog that needed to be held up when she peed.
Dementia stole our connection, that elusive bond best described

by the word “love” but which is really more complex than that – a
deep, moving dream river of both darkness and light.
Three days before her passing, Sweetie shifted into a worse state.
She paced all night long, was losing strength in her back legs, and
was even showing less interest in food (that terrible warning). I
knew it was time to let her go. I called our veterinarian and set
up an appointment for a home visit since Sweetie was terrified
of riding in the car, especially to the vet’s.

Her final day
That last day, I watched the clock, ticking off Sweetie’s remaining
hours. But a funny thing happened. Sweetie slept peacefully most
of the afternoon. She didn’t walk in a single circle, didn’t hoot
once. During her last two hours, I took her out to the backyard
with my other two dogs, Belle and Holly, and stayed with her.
As the sun shone and the breezes played, Sweetie licked my
hand repeatedly, and I stroked her thick coat, pulling out the little
clumps because I wanted her to look her best, and because I had
been grooming her that way for over 15 years.
When the vet and her assistant came and performed their task,
I put my face right into Sweetie’s, so close that I could see my
head reflected in her eyes. I stayed that way during the whole

procedure, as the sedative
slowed her down and the
darker drug eased her away.
Over and over, I told her she
was beautiful.

The bargain
Early the next morning, when
I took my two remaining dogs to the
backyard, I found tufts of Sweetie’s hair still
strewn about – most bird nests in the vicinity were
softened by a coating of her brown and white hair. I settled on
one of our benches and sipped my coffee. Robins were hopping
and bobbing on one corner of the lawn, sparrows landed to
inspect and pick up Sweetie’s hair, and automobiles rumbled in
the distance, changing gears. Life flexing its limbs.
A character from a PBS show called Lark Rise to Candleford
responds to the death of a neighbor’s child by telling her
husband, “To love is to lay oneself open to loss, and that is the
bargain we make with ourselves because it is worth it.” Despite
my grief, I had to agree, as I sat peacefully on my bench and
watched Belle and Holly ambling about as the sparrows carried
Sweetie to the sky.

animal wellness

87

FRACKING
IS IT HARMING YOUR DOG?
By Cynthia S. Evans

Used to reach
oil and gas
deposits deep
within the earth,
this procedure
is causing a lot of
controversy and
health concerns.

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animal wellness

If you keep up with the news, you’ve heard about hydraulic
fracturing, more commonly known as fracking. It involves injecting
massive quantities of chemically treated water deep underground
to fracture rock and reach natural gas or oil deposits.
A lot of controversy has arisen around this practice, and whether or
not it’s safe or healthy. Not surprisingly, gas and oil companies claim
that as long as everything is done to specifications, fracking is safe.
But others are just as adamant that it’s a bad idea. Many scientists
and environmentalists are warning that this procedure is having a
profoundly negative impact on our water and air, and by extension,
all living things, including people and companion animals.
“One of my biggest concerns associated with hydraulic fracturing
is the exposure of dogs and cats to a variety of toxic chemicals
that are not disclosed by the companies due to ‘trade secrets’,”
says veterinarian Dr. Becky L. Morrow, an Assistant Professor at
Duquesne University. “In addition to the unknown chemicals that

are injected into the ground, the fluid that resurfaces often contains
additional toxins, heavy metals, carcinogens, and radioactive
materials that could lead to cancer, multi-organ failure, and death.
Although scientific data is limited, one study showed that 17 cows
died only one hour after exposure to waste fluid released into their
pasture, and several dogs and cats became severely ill and died
within a few days after exposure to waste fluid dumped on roads.”

DON’T LET HIM DRINK FROM PUDDLES,
CREEKS, STREAMS, PONDS OR ANY OTHER
WATER SOURCES YOU AREN’T SURE ARE SAFE.
The study Dr. Morrow refers to is called “Impacts of Gas Drilling
on Human and Animal Health” and was done by Michelle
Bamberger and Robert E. Oswald; it appeared in the January 2012
issue of New Solutions: A Journal of Environmental and Occupational
Health Policy. “Documentation of cases in six states strongly
implicates exposure to gas drilling operations in serious health
effects on humans, companion animals, livestock, horses, and
wildlife,” the study states. “Sources of exposure to gas drilling
operations that have been associated with ill health in canines are
well, spring, pond and creek waters; storm water runoff from the
well pad; wastewater spread on road; wastewater impoundment
not contained; pipeline leak; flaring of well; and compressor
station malfunction. In canines, health problems that occurred
in association with the above exposures were reproductive,
gastrointestinal, neurological, dermatological, urological,
musculoskeletal, upper respiratory, and sudden death.”

7 WAYS TO KEEP HIM SAFE
1 Education and awareness are the keys here. Keep track of what
is going on in your region, the food and water you and your
dog consume, and where you both go for outdoor exercise.
Always report anything suspicious that might be dangerous.
And before you allow your property to be used for anything,
understand what you’re getting into.

2 If

you live in fracking territory (see sidebar on next page),
have your water tested prior to drilling, and also during and
after drilling, to ensure your water stays safe for drinking and
bathing. If it’s not safe for you, it’s not safe for your dog.
Continued on page 90.

animal wellness

89

Continued from page 89.

3 Give purified water to your dog. Don’t let him drink

WHERE DOES FRACKING HAPPEN?

from puddles, creeks, streams, ponds or any other
water sources you aren’t sure are safe.

4 Outdoor exercise should be supervised. Before letting
your dog loose to run or swim, investigate the area
for potential dangers such as fracking ponds, where
toxic waste water is put after fracking is completed.
Be aware that there are cases of this toxic water
being illegally dumped along roads, in streams and
elsewhere. Know where these areas might be and
keep your dog away from them.

5 Air quality is also a concern near fracking sites. Residents
have reported upper respiratory ailments and feelings
of nausea. Keep in mind that these well sites stink and
that your dog’s sense of smell is hundreds of times
better than yours. Even driving by these wells may
make him (and you) feel sick.

6 Ask your veterinarian if s/he has any concerns, but keep
in mind that many conventional doctors will not say
that fracking has any adverse health effects. I asked
my own vet if my cat’s upper respiratory problems
could be linked to flaring wells. He assured me he saw
no relationship, though he added he would inform
me if the concern arose.

Generally, fracking is done wherever there are
large formations of shale – and that covers a
lot of ground in North America. In the US, shale
is found in large swathes from the Great Lakes
down to Texas, and across the western plains.
The Marcellus Shale formation, meanwhile,
which is extremely rich in natural gas, covers an
area from West Virginia through Pennsylvania
and into New York State. Fracking now takes
place at hundreds of thousands of gas wells in
more than 30 states. The situation is similar in
Canada, where fracking is carried out in almost
every province, most notably Alberta.

7

o what you can to optimize your dog’s overall health by
D
feeding him the best quality food you can afford, avoiding
over-vaccination, limiting his exposure to stress and household
toxins, and taking him to the vet for regular checkups.

Like it or not, fracking has become a fact of life. Depending on
where you live, it might not be much of an issue, but if you reside
in one of the hundreds of active regions, it’s wise to take steps to
stay informed and protect your health – and that of your dog’s.

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animal wellness

BOOK REVIEWS
TITLE: Ambassador Dogs
AUTHOR: Lisa Loeb
Dogs are much more than “pets”. They’re also friends, companions,
helpers, protectors and therapists. In her new book Ambassador
Dogs, journalist and dog lover Lisa Loeb (who also writes for
Animal Wellness on occasion), celebrates the many remarkable
roles canines play in our lives.
The book features proﬁles of 24 dogs and the people whose lives
they enrich, as well as a visit to several rescue organizations.
Lisa introduces you to canines like Chloe, a gentle St. Bernard
who served as ring-bearer at a couple’s wedding; Gracie, a
devoted and attentive service dog to Tanya, a woman with spina
biﬁda; and Mo the Music Dog, a pug with personality who has
honorary professor status at West Chester University.
Generously illustrated with dozens of color photos, Ambassador Dogs bubbles over with Lisa’s love,
enthusiasm and respect for dogs – and the people who are blessed with their presence.

Publisher: Schiffer Publishing, Ltd.

TITLE: The Second Chance Dog
AUTHOR: Jon Katz
When best-selling author Jon Katz’s 35-year marriage ended, he found himself both
emotionally and ﬁnancially in the dumps. In his search for love, he met artist Maria Wulf.
The couple had a lot in common – but Maria’s dog Frieda, a Rottweiler/shepherd mix, didn’t
agree. Fiercely protective of Maria, she would bark and charge at anyone who came near
her, including Jon.
At ﬁrst, it looked like things weren’t going to work out, but Jon
refused to give up trying to win Frieda’s affection, and his
chance with Maria. He writes about the journey in The Second
Chance Dog, in which he reveals his ultimately successful bid
to make friends with Frieda through determination, patience
and hundreds of dollars worth of beef jerky.
By the end of the book, Jon, Maria and Frieda are living
happily together at Bedlam Farm in upstate New York, along
with a range of other animals. A true love story!

Publisher: Ballantine Books

animal wellness

91

E-Training
for Dogs

100% ONLINE COURSES!
Certification Provided in Some Programs
Many More Courses Available!
Learn from the comfort of your own home

GUELPH ANIMAL HOSPITAL – Offers a full
range of conventional veterinary services as
well as acupuncture, chiropractic, massage,
herbal and nutritional. Dr. Rob Butler is certified
in Veterinary Acupuncture and is also trained
in Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine. Dr.
Smolkin is certified in Animal Chiropractic. By
integrating conventional and complementary
therapies, treatments can be tailored to the
individual’s needs and preferences. Contact
Guelph Animal Hospital at (519) 836-2781 or
www.quelphvet.com

GREY2K USA Education Fund – National
greyhound protection group working to end
dog racing nationwide. Join our team, support
us and buy fun dog-themed gifts at
GREY2KUSA.org
Schools & Training
INTEGRATED TOUCH THERAPY, INC. – Has
taught animal massage to thousands of students
from all over the world for over 17 years. Offering
intensive, hands-on workshops. Free Brochure:
(800) 251-0007 wshaw1@bright.net
www.integratedtouchtherapy.com
PETMASSAGE TRAINING AND RESEARCH
INSTITUTE – On-site workshops for canine
massage and PetMassage WaterWork.
Vocational training to work in vet offices, dog
day cares, agility events, and with private
clients. Curricula for children’s canine massage
programs. Workshops approved for CEs for MT’s
and RVT’s. www.petmassage.com,
info@petmassage.com, (800) 779-1001
WALKS ‘N’ WAGS PET FIRST AID – National
Leaders in Pet First Aid Certification Courses
for dogs and cats. Learn preventative skills and
practice emergency bandaging with live wiggly
pets. Distance Learning also available.
www.walksnwags.com or (800) 298-1152

Learn About Pet Care, Volunteerism, Grooming, Pet Behavior
& Training, Traveling with your Pet, How You Can Make a
Difference, Different Types of Pets/Breeds, Veterinarian FAQ,
Fun Activities for You & Your Pet And MUCH MORE!
For more information:
(800) 977-3609
www.capitolpetexpo.com

Houston Pet Expo
April 12, 2014 – Houston, TX
You will find tons of exhibitors and demonstrations as well
as free nail trims. There will be prize giveaways and live
entertainment. You can adopt from one of the many Rescue
groups and also learn about pet care, volunteerism, grooming,
training and much more!
Be sure to check out other Amazing Pet Expo events all year
around at www.amazingpetexpos.com
For more information:
(800) 977-3609
www.houstonpetexpo.com

Large Animal Class: Sunday / 9:00am - 6:00pm
This class is required in order to apply to become a Healing
Touch for Animals® Certified Practitioner. Working with the
horses’ large energy systems benefits students with greater
energetic awareness and a well-rounded experience.

Every year Alive! Expo brings together local and national
companies that specialize in natural and organic products and
foods. You will find alternative practitioners as well as many
great retailers showcasing their products including eco-friendly
products for the home, pets and the whole family.
Alive! Expo is “The Natural Products & Green Living” consumer
event and is a fun and exciting weekend for the entire family.
For more information:
www.aliveexpo.com
Paws in the Park
May 4, 2014 – Gaithersburg, MD
Registration is now open for the 15th Annual Paws in the Park
dog walk and festival!
The fun-filled afternoon includes a 1-mile walk for dogs and
people, pet games, prizes, demos, rescue groups, a “flealess”
market with over 50 pet-friendly vendors, food, music and more.
For more information:
(240) 401-8144
jwillems@mchumane.org
www.mchumane.org

Healing Touch for Animals® Level 2 Course
May 30 – June 1, 2014 – Anchorage, AK
Fundamentals Class: Friday / 6:00pm - 10: 00pm
This class is a prerequisite of the Small Animal Class.
Small Animal Class: Saturday / 9:00am - 6:00pm
This class is a prerequisite of the Large Animal Class.
Large Animal Class: Sunday / 9:00am - 6:00pm
This class is required in order to apply to become a Healing
Touch for Animals® Certified Practitioner. Working with the
horses’ large energy systems benefits students with greater
energetic awareness and a well-rounded experience.
For more information:
(602) 502-3065
Phoenix@HealingTouchforAnimals.com
www.healingtouchforanimals.com
Charlotte Pet Expo
May 31, 2014 – Charlotte, NC
Fabulous Prize Giveaways & Fun for both the Two-Legged AND
Four-Legged!
Dozens of Rescue Groups and a Mega-Adoption Event,
Discounted Vaccinations, Micro-chipping and Heartworm &
Flea Preventatives, Free Nail Trims, Agility Demonstrations,
Live Entertainment, Obedience Demonstrations, Author
Readings/Book Signings. The Latest & Greatest Pet Products!
Learn About Pet Care, Volunteerism, Grooming, Pet Behavior
& Training, Traveling with your Pet, How You Can Make a
Difference, Different Types of Pets/Breeds, Veterinarian FAQ,
Fun Activities for You & Your Pet And MUCH MORE!
For more information:
(800) 977-3609
www.charlottepetexpo.com

Animal Care Expo
May 20 - 23, 2014 – Daytona Beach, FL
This expo is the largest international education conference
in the fields of animal care, control, rescue and emergency
services. The Expo offers an opportunity to learn new skills
and strategies, and network with animal welfare professionals
from around the world.
This expo also offers five intensive daylong certificate courses
and over 55 professional development workshops. You will

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animal wellness

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TAIL END

Charley's

4–P A W

system
By Cheryl Laurent

Charley Poodle visits our local book shop. And the hardware
store. And the church. Not to shop or worship, but to keep up
his skills as a visiting therapy dog. Charley needs to be able to
take everything in stride no matter where he goes, and as his
keeper, trainer and social secretary, I ensure his abilities stay
honed by taking him various places, including all of the above
and then some.
During his travels, Charley has formed some clear preferences
as to his favorite spots to visit, so I’ve developed a “1 to 4 paws”
rating system on his behalf.

1 Paw goes to places that welcome dogs only on special

occasions. A minister friend’s church offers an annual Blessing of
the Animals service, but it’s held outside except in bad weather.
Charley lives indoors at home and feels slighted that his curly
backside is not welcome on padded pews. Nevertheless, he
enjoys howling a yearly hallelujah along with the choir.

2 Paws go to businesses with drive-through windows and

a stash of dog treats. When we pull up to our bank, Charley
emits a single, gentle “woof” to remind the tellers he’s in the
car. That’s my cue to say, “I’d like to deposit one check and
withdraw one biscuit, please.” Charley has learned that most
local fast-food joints don’t cater to his species – but there is one
that does, and he has memorized its scent and location.

3 Paws go to places that allow dogs but otherwise pay
them no attention. One local store has a “pet friendly” policy, but
no one fusses over Charley’s arrival. No treats and no petting.
Such failure to admire a handsome and charming animal is not
“pet friendly” by Charley’s reckoning. It is barely “pet tolerant”.
Fortunately, Charley’s bruised ego is distracted by searching
out the bacon-scented novelty treats amid the overwhelming
miasma of patchouli.

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4 Paws

are awarded to stores with staff who know
Charley on sight and are quick with ear rubs and dog biscuits.
The people who own our favorite bookstore always remember
Charley’s name, even though they have to ask mine. He is also
on a first-name basis with the folks at our local shipping store
– other pups may slobber like Pavlov’s pooches at the sound
of a can opener, but Charley dances around the living room in
ecstasy whenever I break out the packing tape.
The coveted “4 Paws and Tail” prize still awaits some lucky
entrepreneur. Maybe someday we will find a furniture store
dealing exclusively in canine couches, beds and pillows, where
a dog can try out the merchandise over the course of a few
naps, and perhaps bring along his close friends Squeaky Bunny
and Disgusting Ball too. Or maybe a dog masseuse or a cheese
store will set up shop nearby. Then again, maybe it’s better such
places don’t exist here yet. Charley only has four paws and one
tail, after all!